Hilton Hotels & Resorts launches wireless high-speed Internet access in hotels - Applications

Mobile Internet, The, April, 2003

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced plans to install high-speed wireless Internet access at nearly 50 Hilton-brand hotels and resorts in major metropolitan areas throughout North America within the next 30 days. This initiative is the first stage of what is expected to be a system-wide rollout of high-speed Internet access in Hilton's 230 full-service properties across the US, Canada and Mexico in the coming months. The wireless Internet access points will be located in hotel lobbies, lounges, restaurants and public areas and complement the existing high-speed wired Internet infrastructure already available in guestrooms at these Hilton hotels. The system-wide installation of high-speed wired and wireless technology is a progressive step in Hilton's longstanding tradition of offering and introducing innovative new services to travelers when they need it most. Hilton and Intel Corporation are working together on an extensive marketing campaign to drive awareness of Wi-Fi (802.11b) hotspots, where wireless LAN ca pable notebook computer users can connect to the Internet and corporate networks wirelessly.

Intel's new Centrino mobile technology, featuring integrated wireless LAN capability, is being introduced soon. The Intel Centrino mobile technology brand represents Intel's best technology for mobile computing and is designed to enable an unwired computing experience while enabling extended battery life and outstanding mobile performance in thinner and lighter form factors. Hilton's high-speed Internet service will be fully compatible with Centrino-enabled computers and other wireless LAN-capable laptop computers, tablet PCs and PDAs that operate on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, Unix and Linux operating systems. Signage will be located in the Hilton hotel public areas that identifies where wireless high-speed Internet access points are available. By following a simple set of on-screen instructions from their Internet connection application, guests will be able to surf wirelessly on the Web at Hilton Hotels & Resorts at speeds of up to 50 times faster than a dial-up connection. Just as important, the service will be backed by a 24-hour, toll-free customer support line that will be available for all users.