Google, Microsoft Oppose Marriott's Petition To Block Wi-Fi Hotspots

(RTTNews) - Google Inc (GOOG, GOOGL) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT) are opposing a petition by hoteliers such as Marriott International Inc (MAR) the right to block guests' Wi-Fi hotspots in their hotel rooms. The tech giants are among the increasing number of those who oppose the use of devices by hoteliers that interfere with radio signals.

At the heart of the matter is a petition this summer by Marriott and the hotel lobby American Hospitality & Lodging Association that requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow hoteliers to use equipment to manage their networks even if it may interfere with devices used by guests.

Among the reasons put forth in the petition by Marriott and the hotel lobby was that guests could use their smartphones or Wi-Fi devices to launch an attack against a hotel's Wi-Fi network or threaten other guests' privacy.

The issue gained prominence in March 2013 when consumers complained that Marriott's Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center was using a jammer to block off their internet access. As a settlement with the FCC, Marriott paid a penalty of $600,000, but said its actions were legal and, along with the hotel lobby, asked regulators to strengthen its case.

Marriott defended by stating it was was protecting its guests from rogue wireless hotspots that can cause degraded service, insidious cyber attacks and identity theft.

Microsoft, in its filing, said hotels do not have the right to interfere with radio signals using jammers, adding that customers would be forced to pay more for the hotels' own Wi-Fi, while not using the facility provided by mobile operators for which they would have already paid.

Google also agreed on that point and said blocking personal Wi-Fi hotspots goes against public interest. The wireless industry lobby has also asked the FCC to deny the request by Marriott.

MAR is trading at $78.65, up $0.30 or 0.38%, on a volume of 161k shares on the Nasdaq.