The FCC has issued a stern reminder to businesses that blocking or jamming WiFi signals for any reason is illegal.
“Willful or malicious interference with WiFi hotspots is illegal,” said the FCC. “The Enforcement Bureau has seen a disturbing trend in which hotels and other commercial establishments block wireless consumers from using their own personal WFi hotspots on the commercial establishment’s premises. As a result, the Bureau is protecting consumers by aggressively investigating and acting against such unlawful intentional interference.”
The FCC fined Marriott hotels $600,000 last year for blocking guests’ WiFi hotspots at one of its properties.
“WiFi represents an essential on-ramp to the Internet,” noted the FCC. “Personal WiFi networks, or ‘hot spots,’ are an important way that consumers connect to the internet.” The FCC also pointed out that it is illegal to market, sell, or operate equipment that jams wireless signals.
