There is significant pushback from Google and Microsoft, among others, against Marriott and the American Hospitality & Lodging Association over the petition to block personal WiFi hotspots. The hotel organizations planned to control in-hotel networks even though it would presumably interfere with guests’ devices. Marriott would block personal WiFi hotspots and redirect guests to its network at a cost. In fact, Marriott reached a settlement in a case a few months ago due to the claim that employees were jamming personal WiFi hotspots.
The opposition also includes the United States Telecom Association, CTIA, Hilton, Cisco, and Brown University. Each submitted their own filing to express disagreement.
As for the pushback, Marriott feels it is protecting the security of its guests. The hotel giant does not want guests to accidentally utilize a personal WiFi hotspot that is insecure and compromises user data. The in-hotel networks keep data secure and away from wandering eyes.
Come comment on this article: Google, Microsoft among the opposition fighting Marriott’s WiFi blocking petition
