The Federal Communications Commission is cracking down on the unlawful blocking of Wi-Fi hotspots.
In a public notice filed on Tuesday, the agency warned that "willful or malicious interference" with wireless networks is illegal.
Just ask Marriott Hotel Services, which was hit with a $600,000 FCC fine in October for interfering with its own wireless networks and denying guests access to the Web via personal Wi-Fi connections.
"The Enforcement Bureau has seen a disturbing trend in which hotels and other commercial establishments block wireless consumers from using their own personal Wi-Fi hotspots on the commercial establishment's premises," the FCC memo said. "As a result, the Bureau is protecting consumers by aggressively investigating and acting against such unlawful intentional interference."
Marriott was accused of blocking Wi-Fi in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center's service, forcing the Nashville resort's visitors and convention goers to pay up to $1,000 per device to access the Internet.
That is a direct violation of Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934, which states that hotels, convention centers, and other commercial establishments—as well as network operators providing services as these places—can not intentionally block or disrupt personal Wi-Fi hotspots on their premises.
Marriott later pledged not to block personal hotspots going forward. But the FCC's Enforcement Bureau said it received several complaints that other commercial Wi-Fi network operators were disrupting the legitimate operation of personal wireless hotspots.
The Bureau is investigating the charges made against unnamed companies, and "will take appropriate action against violators."
"Consumers must get what they pay for," FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement. "Protecting consumers from this kind of interference is a priority area for the FCC Enforcement Bureau."
Victims of Wi-Fi blocking can file a complaint with the FCC online or via phone (1-888-CALL-FCC); remember to include the date, time, location, and possible source.