International hotel chain Marriott will no longer block personal wi-fi devices being used by hotel guests.
The hotel previously jammed mobile hotspots used by guests stating security reasons, and charged guests fees for using its own Wi-Fi network.
A hotel guest complained about the issue to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Marriot was fined $600,000 by the watchdog for blocking individuals from connecting to the Internet using their personal Wi-Fi kits.
The investigation conducted by the FCC found that the hotel was using a wi-fi monitoring system that de-authenticated guest-created hotspots.
Alongside the fine, the FCC has ordered the firm to submit quarterly compliance reports for the following three years to make sure the practice is not repeated.
Previously, the company defended its move by claiming it only blocked the hotspots in conference and meeting spaces, claiming that it had the right to block mobile hotspots used outside of guest bedrooms, reported the BBC.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association lobby group supported Marriott, accusing the FCC of tying Marriott’s hands when cyber security threats were growing.
Tech giants including Google, Microsoft and the Consumer Electronics Association claimed that the hotel was misleading everyone by making claims of cyber threats and that the act was illegal and against the public interest.
In a statement Marriott 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."
