In October of 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) fined Marriott International $600,000 for preventing guests from connecting to the internet via their own personal Wi-Fi networks, while at the same time charging customers, small businesses owners, and conference center exhibitors as much as $1,000 per device to access Marriott’s Wi-Fi network. After the settlement with Marriott, the Enforcement Bureau of the FCC received several complaints that other Wi-Fi network operators may be disrupting the legitimate operation of personal Wi-Fi hot spots.
The FCC also issued a Public Notice in January of 2015 stating that personal Wi-Fi networks are an important way that people connect to the internet and that “willful or malicious interference with Wi-Fi hot spots is illegal.” The Public Notice also noted that the Enforcement Bureau of the FCC has observed a disturbing new trend in which hotels, conference centers, and other commercial establishments block guests and customers from using their own personal Wi-Fi hotspots. In prohibiting the practice, the FCC stated:
“No hotel, convention center, or other commercial establishment or the network operator providing services at such establishments may intentionally block or disrupt personal Wi-Fi hot spots on such premises, including as part of an effort to force consumers to purchase access to the property owner’s Wi-Fi network. Such action is illegal and violations could lead to the assessment of substantial monetary penalties.”
Contact our consumer protection lawyers today if you believe a hotel or conference center blocked your access to a personal Wi-Fi signal by filing out our free case evaluation form. You may be able to participate in a lawsuit against the establishment and recover financial compensation.