Mobile WiFi Devices/Mobile Hotspots/Personal Hotspots/MiFi’s/That thing that gives me Internet access on the move are universally very useful.
They’re even more useful in hotels when the WiFi charges vary from expensive to extortionate – or if the WiFi is so slow it’s not worth bothering to use it.
However, some hotels in the US wish to restrict their use. Step forward HILTON and MARRIOTT, who have filed a petition to the FCC to
The full filing is at http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=60000986872
Source:
So the crux of the argument that Hilton and Marriott wish to limit the use of the devices in the name of… you’ve guessed it security.
The excuse listed is on page 4:
Source – Hilton/Marriott filing, Page 4 http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=60000986872.
In addition, the real excuses come out when it comes to WiFi use in conferences.
The two chains are arguing for a “Network Management Equipment” that can for example can send “De-authentication packets” – data packets that can prevention data packets to get where they need to.
FCC Filing: Pages 8&9 – http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=60000986872
The filing goes on to bleat that these tools are already in commercial use already, and none one is complaining about these.
Hilton and Marriott are seeking clarification to Title 47 U.S.C. §333, even though it may result in “interference with or cause interference” to a Part 15 device.
Or to you and me – your mobile hotspot.
Marriott has been caught once with its pants down earlier this year with a $600,000 fine for blocking WiFi access points. Certainty, Google and Microsoft aren’t happy about this either, who have responded to the filing, urging the FCC to rule against Marriott and Hilton.
So… is this for your protection and safety, network reliability… or a blatant money grab?
Thoughts in the box below.
Further reading:
- The Register – http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/23/us_hotel_chains_and_tech_firms_square_off_with_fcc_over_wifi_hotspots/
- Re/Code – http://recode.net/2014/12/22/google-wireless-industry-not-down-with-marriotts-wi-fi-blocking-plan/
- The Inquirer – http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2388106/microsoft-cisco-and-google-round-on-marriott-s-plan-to-block-wifi
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Interesting. The fcc actually fined Marriott for already blocking mobile data connections in their hotels, specifically conference areas. With both Marriott and SPG starting to offer free WiFi in 2015 to program members, this seems like a waste of time
Just another money grab. I’m all for businesses making money but don’t rip me off. Don’t they already make enough on av equipment and $4 cokes.
What they are seeking approval for is to prevent someone who has Internet provided by them resharing the Internet via another wireless connection.
There’s nothing i can see in there to prevent the use of an external data connection (eg cellular) by sharing it over WiFi.
There are good arguments on both sides of the fence why the hotels should be able to block a wireless device that is on their network, and why a registered and authorised user should be able to freely use the data they are given as they see fit.
One to watch.