Hotel Chain Makes Broadband Choice

Viator Networks, a provider of hotel broadband Internet access, was selected by Choice Hotels International to provide Internet access for the holding company's franchisees.

by Roy Mark of www.internetnews.com [March 25, 2002]

Worldwide lodging group Choice Hotels International has chosen Viator Networks as its high-speed Internet vendor for Choice's 3,300 domestic Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, Quality, Econo Lodge, Sleep Inn, Rodeway Inn, and MainStay Suites franchisees. The Viator solution is currently in beta testing at Choice properties and will be introduced to franchisees at the company's annual convention in Atlanta May 8-10.

Daniel Rothfeld, Choice's senior vice president of partner services, said the Viator service can be financed through minimal charge to guests, or through no guest charges at all, with franchisees absorbing the nominal costs.

"Many of our franchisees, particularly those who cater to business travelers or are seeking a higher percentage of the business travel market, have been aggressively seeking a high speed Internet access solution," said Rothfeld. "With a majority of business travelers bringing their laptops on the road, this is an amenity for which demand is only going to increase. Our aim is to expose our franchisees to solutions that work—and are cost effective."

According to Rothfeld, the Arizona-based Viator was selected based on its ability to provide a comprehensive solution, including hardware and software; customized, turnkey programs to fit each property's specific needs; proven track record of installations; plug and play usage; purchase or leasing options; straightforward installations, including use of existing wiring and connectivity when possible; low cost; franchisee ownership of equipment; and broadband/connectivity to property.

Viator appeals to hotels by selling its consulting services and networking equipment for a one-time fee. The company boasts that it charges no monthly use fees, no per-port fees, no use-based fees, no portal use fees, and no shared advertising revenue fees. Viator's DSL equipment can be viewed on the company website under the "egress products" tab.

Rothfield added that Silver Spring, Md.-based Choice is continuing to research other broadband Internet access options that, like Viator Networks, meet the company's criteria for quality and affordability.

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