Marriott Blocks Wi-Fi – FCC Says Never Again!

Seems this subject about Marriott blocking Wi-Fi at a Nashville hotel has been beaten to death but Marriott chose to drag it out. Instead of admitting it was a mistake and wouldn’t let it happen again, the hotel chain went on the offensive asking the FCC for guidance. Well, really more like protection for their scheme.

It took months but no doubt after enduring horrible PR and seeing meeting planners book events at properties other than Marriott, the hotel caved and began allowing Wi-Fi other than the hotel’s version a couple weeks ago pending the outcome from this ‘guidance’ they wanted from the FCC. They just got their guidance with the agency responding fairly quickly, saying…

“The Communications Act prohibits anyone from … interfering with authorized radio communications, including Wi-Fi,” said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in a statement. “Marriott’s request seeking the FCC’s blessing to block guests’ use of non-Marriott networks is contrary to this basic principle.”

In other words, it was a mistake the first time, trying it again will cost a lot more than the original $600,000 fine. Wi-Fi, at least on the ground, is meant to be open and available to everyone.