Smart City Networks Fined $750K by FCC for Blocking Trade Show Internet’s WiFi Hotspots —
Trade Show Internet received a favorable ruling via the FCC’s recent $750,000 fine and consent decree against competitor Smart City Networks. In its August 2015 ruling, the FCC declared that Smart City Networks can no longer illegally jam/block WiFi hotspots at convention centers. The FCC investigation started after Trade Show Internet discovered some clients using its 4G Internet Kit rental solution suffered WiFi jamming at convention centers where Smart City Networks operates. This decision comes on the heels of the FCC’s $600K fine and similar judgment against Marriott in December 2014. With these recent rulings, the FCC has reinforced its stance on consumer freedom of choice when it comes to deploying WiFi at events.
Ian Framson, co-founder of Trade Show Internet, helped file the complaint and alert the FCC of Smart City Network’s misbehavior. “We are glad that the FCC has now made it abundantly clear that trade show exhibitors and attendees now have a choice when it comes to who provides Internet/WiFi at their events and should no longer fear interference from incumbent event Internet providers. We also hope that this decision will empower event organizers to encourage exhibitors to seek out all of the options available to them with the goal of getting the best possible solution for their needs.”
Travis LeBlanc, Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, went so far as to call Smart City Network’s activities “patently unlawful”, remarking “It is unacceptable for any company to charge consumers exorbitant fees to access the Internet while at the same time blocking them from using their own personal Wi-Fi hotspots to access the Internet.”
About Trade Show Internet
Trade Show Internet is an independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the events industry. The company provides wired and wireless (WiFi) solutions for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events nationwide. The company designs custom networks in sporting arenas, outdoor plazas, hotels, museums, and convention centers. For more information, please visit:
www.tradeshowinternet.com
Contact Info:
Name: Dan Shao
Email: Send Email
Organization: Trade Show Internet
Phone: 866-385-1504
Website: http://www.tradeshowinternet.com
Release ID: 91392