Posted: 28th Jun, 2011 By: MarkJ


Wireless operator
BT Openzone has today signed a new agreement with
Hilton Worldwide, which will allow the operators Wi-Fi Hotspot (wireless broadband internet access) services and coverage to be expanded out across Hilton's related hotel chains in both the UK and Ireland.
The agreement will provide Hilton's guests with Wi-Fi access, high-speed fixed line, conference and event services in more than 17,000 bedrooms, public areas and meeting spaces. BT claims that its "
new technology" will also deliver "
a tenfold increase in bandwidth".
Chris Bruce, CEO of BT Openzone, said:
"The growing number of travellers with mobile devices such as tablet computers and smartphones, means guests increasingly expect to be able to log on wherever they are and with a fast and reliable connection.
BT currently has 2.8 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.K. and Ireland. By expanding our coverage at Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of hotels, we are demonstrating our commitment in providing leading edge technology services to partners in a very demanding service environment."
The fully BT managed service will be
rolled out to 100 Hilton Worldwide properties beginning in Autumn 2011, which includes six brands in the U.K. and Ireland:
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts,
Conrad Hotels & Resorts,
Hilton Hotels and Resorts,
Doubletree by Hilton,
Hilton Garden Inn and
Hampton by Hilton.
Robert Webb, Chief Information Officer at Hilton Worldwide, added:
"We are committed to providing our guests with access to the very latest technology, complementing our world class hospitality, and are delighted to collaborate with BT Openzone to deliver an outstanding service in the U.K. and Ireland.
This deal builds on last year’s agreement with AT&T in the United States and Canada as we look to partner with the very best technology providers around the world."
Gold and Diamond Hilton HHonors members and over five million BT Total Broadband ISP customers will be able to
access the service for free. BTOpenzone users and customers from
iPass,
AT&T and other BTO roaming partners can also use the service free of charge when visiting the hotels.