JEDDAH, 17 February 2006 — Free wireless DSL Internet service on the Corniche Road — as reported in Sunday’s Arab News — ground to a sudden halt after the Jeddah Hilton’s IT Department took measures to stop non-hotel guests and patrons from accessing its wireless network.
“For the past three months, the wireless network signal from the Executive Lounge on the 11th floor has been allowing those seated on the Corniche to access the Internet at DSL speeds for free. However, we took measures that included password protection to prevent unauthorized users from accessing and slowing down our networks,” Wahid Ali, the hotel’s IT manager, told Arab News.
“The service is still available, and the signal still reaches the Corniche, but those trying to access our network will find that they are unable to do so, unless they are provided with a valid password, available only to hotel guests and patrons,” Ali added.
It was not immediately clear whether outsiders could make a password purchase at the hotel that would allow them to continue surfing the web. According to Ali, the system was designed for use by hotel guests and not the general public.
“In order to guarantee the best connection speeds and fault free web access, we recommend that those who want to use the Internet, visit us at the hotel and enjoy a coffee at the Executive Lounge where PC performance will be at its best. Unfortunately, we cannot provide this service continuously for free as we must take care of our guests’ demands, wants and needs,” Ali added.
An evening drive behind the hotel yesterday, revealed fewer laptop users than were there when Arab News visited on Saturday afternoon when the system was working. One young man was scratching his head and walking with his laptop open in his arms, moving around trying to intercept the strongest signal.
When he was told that the Hilton had stopped the free access, he packed up his belongings and before driving off, remarked: “You discover something useful, new and fun and it has to be taken away from you one way or another. I am disappointed.”
