Google fights Marriott's plan to block Wi-Fi hotspots

[Victorious Secret]

 

Oh Marriott, trying to block the inherent tech that many people specifically pay for in their phones and mobile plans. How on Earth can they petition the FCC to pull something thats, well, this dodgy? 

Though with MS, Google and others going against them, I don't see how Marriott would be successful in this. 

 

In order to avoid pricey hotel Wi-Fi charges, many guests opt to use their data allotment from their cell phone provider, connecting their laptops to the Internet via their smartphones. 

 

At Marriott connection rates start at $14.95 per day. For $19.95, guests get "enhanced high speed Internet" which includes video chatting, downloading large files and streaming video. 

 

In its petition to the FCC, Marriott and the hotel lobby argued that guests can use their smartphones or Mi-Fi devices to launch an attack against a hotel's Wi-Fi network or threaten other guests' privacy (by stealing their credit card data or other personal information).

 

They also said that those gadgets can interfere with the hotel's Wi-Fi, slowing down speeds for other customers.

 

 

http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/25/technology/marriott-wifi/index.html

[virtualTune]

not gonna happen!

[Sidiox]

If they have proper security then an attack would be rather difficult.... Also how would the block it? Wrap the entire building in aluminium foil?

[Trik'Stari]

If I remember correctly, blocking someone's cell phone signal is illegal unless you are the government.

 

Not to mention anyone could attack their networks, from their networks, or from outside their networks.

[Kyuubixchidori]

um, both their points are wrong. if they use their own device it will take a load off the hotels wifi. so thats wrong

 

um, issiue attack to the people on the wifi? if im going to steal info, im going to be on the same local wifi. not on my own private data plan. then it'd be just as difficult to steal info then if you where stealing info half way around the world. 

[Deli]

Nonsense.

[Kyuubixchidori]

this is literally just playing on peoples fears of being hacked so they can get more customers. 

[Toddwjp]

the list of organizations and people who dont understand tech just got larger, hurray

[zanduh]

lmfao how transparent

 

"This has nothing to do with our desire to have a monopoly on internet within our hotels. It's totally about the possibility of people attacking us with their independent data usage!!"

[IdeaStormer]

I hope they get it

 

Then no one will stay there, great plan Marriot :lol:

[Simons]

That statement for why it should be banned... HAHAHAHAHA

[Bloodyvalley]

Retards.

 

AND DAMN THAT INTERNET IS F*CKING EXPENSIVE MAN! Should be f*cking free.

[Scheer]

Also how would the block it? Wrap the entire building in aluminium foil?

 

There are signal jammers that can block it all out basically.

 

If I remember correctly, blocking someone's cell phone signal is illegal unless you are the government.

 

Very illegal, and Marriott was already caught and fined for doing it. http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/226900-marriott-to-pay-600000-settlement-for-jamming-wi-fi-hotspots/

[UselessBread]

If I remember correctly, blocking someone's cell phone signal is illegal unless you are the government.

Soo, can I sue my house for not giving me sufficient Cell phone signal?

[bohica]

This kills me for being stupid beyond stupid.

Man I hope they did not have someone from their IT Department make this suggestion. It sounds corporate level stupid though, but if they have an off-site network management company running their wireless this should never have been a problem.

[Trik'Stari]

Soo, can I sue my house for not giving me sufficient Cell phone signal?

No. I'm talking about intentional block, aka a signal jammer.

[McMurderMonkey]

Marriott is just being absolutely ridiculous.