Google Fights Marriott's Plan to Block Wi-Fi Hotspots
CNN Money is reporting that Marriott and the hotel lobby American Hospitality & Lodging Association asked the FCC this summer to allow hotels to deploy equipment that prevents people from turning their phones into Wi-Fi hotspots.
In order to avoid pricey hotel Wi-Fi charges, many guests opt to use their data allotment from their cell phone provider, connecting their laptops to the Internet via their smartphones.
In its petition to the FCC, Marriott and the hotel lobby argued that guests can use their smartphones or Mi-Fi devices to launch an attack against a hotel's Wi-Fi network or threaten other guests' privacy (by stealing their credit card data or other personal information). They also said that those gadgets can interfere with the hotel's Wi-Fi, slowing down speeds for other customers.
The wireless industry lobby and other wireless providers have also asked the FCC not to accept Marriott's request. Microsoft contends in a filing to the FCC opposing Marriott’s request that if a customer arrives at a hotel with his or her own Mi-Fi device and the hotel interferes with the customer's connection to that personal hotspot, the hotel can effectively force the customer to purchase the hotel's Wi-Fi services to gain access, even though the customer has already paid her mobile operator for personal hotspot capability.
Google agreed. In its filing the search giant said blocking access to personal Wi-Fi hotspots "would undermine the public interest."
For the complete story, click here.
In order to avoid pricey hotel Wi-Fi charges, many guests opt to use their data allotment from their cell phone provider, connecting their laptops to the Internet via their smartphones.
In its petition to the FCC, Marriott and the hotel lobby argued that guests can use their smartphones or Mi-Fi devices to launch an attack against a hotel's Wi-Fi network or threaten other guests' privacy (by stealing their credit card data or other personal information). They also said that those gadgets can interfere with the hotel's Wi-Fi, slowing down speeds for other customers.
The wireless industry lobby and other wireless providers have also asked the FCC not to accept Marriott's request. Microsoft contends in a filing to the FCC opposing Marriott’s request that if a customer arrives at a hotel with his or her own Mi-Fi device and the hotel interferes with the customer's connection to that personal hotspot, the hotel can effectively force the customer to purchase the hotel's Wi-Fi services to gain access, even though the customer has already paid her mobile operator for personal hotspot capability.
Google agreed. In its filing the search giant said blocking access to personal Wi-Fi hotspots "would undermine the public interest."
For the complete story, click here.