Hotels hop into high-speed access: Trial's goal: 4000 rooms by end of month

Hoping to replicate Internet access in offices, a group of five companies last week said it would start commercial trials of high-speed data service in 10 hotels by the end of March.

The five companies, led by Atcom/Info Inc., said hotels using the Iport system could offer guests secure Internet or LAN access at up 10 Mb/s over the same inside wiring they currently use for voice calls. What's more, the system splits off data before it hits the hotel PBX, relieving congestion.

"It's a growing evil for hotels that, as more guests go into long sessions on their laptops, they put a lot of pressure on PBXs," said Stan Julien, hospitality industry marketing manager for Microsoft, which is providing server software for the trial.

Also participating is Internet service provider CAIS Internet, router vendor 3Com and Cyntergy, which is providing technical staff support.

Hotel guests using Iport will require an Ethernet card in their laptops. Atcom will provide free client software, although the systems will work with any Internet browser, said Peter Van Horne, Atcom president and chief technical officer.

The next step, he added, will be installing the system in airports and other public locations where laptop users need fast access.

Initial pricing for the service is about $10 a day, although some hotels are adding the fee to room rates with the anticipation that high-speed access could be used as a marketing tool.

t La Jolla Marriott La Jolla, Calif.

t Hyatt San Jose Airport San Jose

t Hillsboro Candlewood Hillsboro, Ore.

t Bellevue Courtyard Bellevue, Wash.

t Homestead Village Bellevue, Wash.

t Woodmark Hotel Kirkland, Wash.

t Hotel Vintage Park Seattle

t Marriott SeaTac Airport Seattle

t Embassy Square Suites Washington, D.C.

t Washington Marriott Washington, D.C.