Marriott Gives Up on Its Push to Control, Block Wi-Fi Access at Its Hotels

Marriott International “listens to its customers” and will no longer block guests from using their personal Wi-Fi devices at any of the hotels the company manages, it said in a statement posted on its website Wednesday. “Marriott remains committed to protecting the security of Wi-Fi access in meeting and conference areas at our hotels,” the company said. “We will continue to look to the FCC to clarify appropriate security measures network operators can take to protect customer data, and will continue to work with the industry and others to find appropriate market solutions that do not involve the blocking of Wi-Fi devices.” In August, Marriott, joined by the American Hospitality and Lodging Association and Ryman Hospitality Properties, asked the agency for clarity on the extent to which companies can manage networks on their properties without violating FCC rules, and the FCC sought comment (see 1501010001). In October, Marriott agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve an FCC investigation into whether the company intentionally interfered with and disabled Wi-Fi networks at its Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville (see 1410060066).