FCC to fine Hilton for obstructing WiFi blocking case

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. might soon be slapped with a $25,000 fine for blocking a legal probe about the issue of its hotels jamming WiFi hotspots of guests. More Americans rely on smartphones for Internet access by connecting to a local WiFi network, 3G or 4G LTE, or their own WiFi hotspots. That’s true not just for people in the US but in other countries where there is Internet connection even if slow or limited. Because of the high demand, networks and mobile carriers are pressured to improve their infrastructure and systems regularly to keep up with the times.

Earlier this month, the FCC formally prohibited WiFi-blocking of hotels. According to the Federal Communications Commission, such practice is ILLEGAL. At the same time, Marriot group was given a special warning about its WiFi-blocking efforts by sending an “FCC Enforcement Advisory”, saying it must be stopped and that it is not acceptable. We didn’t find out about the response of Marriot but it seemed that the issue is over now. However, another popular hotel group, the Hilton, is being accused of the same issue and is even obstructing the legal process.

The FCC recently requested that Hilton to “immediately provide essential information” concerning the group’s WiFi practices after a complaint about WiFi blocking was received. Allegedly, a Hilton-owned property in Anaheim, California, was jamming WiFi hotspots of guests so they would request Internet access from the hotel and get charged $500. This issue was opened last year when FCC asked Hilton to provide any document that would contain “specifics regarding Wi-Fi management practice”. Apparently, Hilton have not complied to the request.

Hilton failed to comply and answer the consumer complaints of blocking so it will fine the company to obstructing WiFi blocking investigation. If you may remember, Marriott was fined $600,000 and Smart City Holdings $750,000. Aside from Hilton, FCC has also proposed that M.C. Dean be fined $718,000 for the same issue at the Baltimore Convention Center after similar complaints were sent in.

VIA: SlashGear

SOURCE: FCC