Hilton International today confirms an agreement with BT PLC and STSN to install high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms in 60 Hiltons across the UK and Ireland. The deal, which is worth over £2 million, brings the number of connected rooms across the estate to 12,384 and is believed to be the largest single wired broadband services agreement of its kind.
The agreement complements the successful roll-out of BT Openzone public area wireless high-speed Internet access ‘Hotspots’ and STSN’s managed conference services across the Hilton UK & Ireland portfolio throughout 2003/2004.

The investment in technology by Hilton further establishes the Hilton Connections promise, which covers all connectivity demands required by the Hilton guest.
BT, one of Europe’s leading communications providers, will manage the roll-out of the project and installation of the services, and STSN, the leading provider of secure, managed fixed and wireless broadband services to the hotel and conference industry, will provide all hardware and on-going support.

“This landmark industry agreement underlines Hilton’s commitment to extraordinary levels of customer service,” said Wolfgang M. Neumann, Area President for Hilton UK & Ireland. “A third of business travellers* say that not having easy Internet access when travelling creates business problems, especially in responding to office e-mail messages. We are working with key industry leaders BT and STSN to ensure these are problems the traveller won’t face when staying with Hilton.”

Steve Andrews, BT Group Chief of Mobility & Convergence, agrees: “This is a hugely important and exciting deal. It positions BT at the heart of Hilton’s business, enabling them to transform the guest experience. Hilton’s customers in the UK and Ireland will be able to use both fixed and wireless Internet access, allowing them to work effectively on the move.”

Graeme Powell, Managing Director, STSN Europe, commented: “This deal with Hilton UK & Ireland represents the largest installation of its kind and is a significant milestone for STSN. STSN’s partnership with Hilton International is based on the security, reliability and scalability of services we have already delivered to a vast number of properties across the group’s global operation.”

* according to a survey by Intel Corporation

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