The Federal Communications Commission plans to fine two more companies over the practice of blocking personal wireless hotspots at hotels.
The agency proposed a $718,000 fine against Wi-Fi provider M.C. Dean which blocked signals at the Baltimore Convention Center between November and December of 2014.
The blocking technology it used also allegedly disrupted Wi-Fi signals outside the venue.
M.C. Dean said it would challenge the fine.
"Consumers are tired of being taken advantage of by hotels and convention centers that block their personal Wi-Fi connections," said Travis LeBlanc, head of the FCC’s enforcement office.
"This disturbing practice must come to an end. It is patently unlawful for any company to maliciously block FCC-approved Wi-Fi connections."
The FCC also proposed a smaller $25,000 fine against Hilton Worldwide for impeding the agency’s investigation into a similar charge of Wi-Fi blocking at some of its properties.
Hilton disputed the claim, saying it had fully cooperated with the investigation.
"Hilton supports open access to private Wi-Fi networks for our customers through their personal devices, while at the same time protecting their personal information," a Hilton spokesperson said in a statement.
"We have a policy in place that states our commitment to secure open access and prohibits hotels from blocking Wi-Fi, and it is repeatedly communicated to all properties.
The FCC fined Marriott $600,000 last year for blocking guests’ mobile signals at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville.
