Complaints began in August of 2014. Guests were upset when Hilton wanted a $500 fee from travelers before they allowed them to use their own 4G wi-fi devices. When guests didn’t pony up the cash, they claim Hilton jammed their signal.
That didn’t set well with travelers or the FCC.
"Hotel guests deserve to have their Wi-Fi blocking complaints investigated by the Commission," Travis LeBlanc told CNN Money. LeBlanc, who heads the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, was most upset when the company ignored requests for more information.
The FCC fined Hilton $25,000 this and warned of a "significantly higher fine" if the chain doesn't cooperate.
"To permit any company to unilaterally redefine the scope of our investigation would undermine the independent search for the truth and the due administration of the law."
Hilton quickly responded saying, “throughout this inquiry, we have cooperated with the FCC, providing extensive background and details in a timely and efficient manner."
Early this year the FCC fined Marriott $600,000 for similar issues.