XCom takes advantage of Marriott's Wi-Fi debacle, issues security alert
If you happened to miss it, then some background information is in order. The Marriott hotel chain, or actually one branch of it, was caught red-handed blocking Wi-Fi hotspots that its guests brought along on their trip. The hotel giant claimed security reasons, but people didn't buy the excuse. More importantly, the FCC didn't bite on it either.
It seems the Gaylord Opryland Hotel would have preferred customers to pay the exorbitant rates it charges for internet access. The Federal Communications Commission saw things differently and slapped the hotel with a $600,000 fine.
While the chain wasn't wrong in doubting security, it seemed a bit heavy-handed on the part of Marriott. In a statement, the company offered this excuse -- "Marriott has a strong interest in ensuring that when our guests use our Wi-Fi service, they will be protected from rogue wireless hotspots that can cause degraded service, insidious cyber-attacks and identity theft".
However, a recent study by Hotel Wi-Fi Test found issues with locations around the world. But the problems discovered were with speed, not so much security, making the hotel's excuse a rather moot point. Therein lies the real reason people were using the hotspots.
XCom which, bare in mind, supplies devices for travelers, is taking advantage of the situation, and likely with good reason. "We agree with Marriott on one thing…public Wi-Fi does present a cyber threat to anyone who uses it", the company states.
"A mobile hotpot, like those rented out by XCom Global, provide a dedicated Internet connection which usually gives you a faster connection speed as well as built-in security (WPA2, VPN). Plus you can connect up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices on a single mobile hotspot rental". Sure, it's a bit of a sales pitch, but who could blame the firm? Strike while the iron is hot.
The company does have a valid point in that it can provide a faster and more secure connection than hotels, which seem to only offer the service as an after-thought and mostly to simply make a bit of extra money. "We certainly share Marriott’s concern about the dangers of Wi-Fi. But forcing guests to buy their outrageously expensive Wi-Fi just feels a bit self serving", the alert concludes. Can't argue with that.
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