According to the agreement, ViewInternet will install the network infrastructure at each hotel, enabling high-speed Internet access using a laptop computer and the in-room television. And, Wiredinn will provide each hotel and their guests with the hotel-specific Wiredinn Portal for news, information, tools, and services while using a laptop computer or in-room television.

Although the companies are first deploying free broadband in-room Internet access in select hotel properties in Hong Kong, the companies expect to expand the implementation partnership to other locations by year¹s end.

ViewInternet has recently signed agreements with Shangri-La Hotels and the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. �The relationship with Wiredinn enables ViewInternet to focus on developing and deploying industry-leading access and networking technology without investing in portal development, content generation and portal maintenance,� said P. Howard Useche, chief executive officer for ViewInternet. �This partnership enables the hotel guest to have free, in-room high-speed Internet access using their computer. The hotel will earn meeting room revenue, improve guest satisfaction and maintain high levels of occupancy. And, ViewInternet recovers installation costs through the industry's standard share of in-room TV Internet access and meeting room revenue.�

�ViewInternet provides technology that allows guests to use their laptop computer or in-room television to easily access the Internet at high-speed � guests do not need to reconfigure their computers or install specialized software. We found these capabilities on par with our Portal experience and what guests expect in luxury properties, said Chris Johnson, chief operating officer for Wiredinn.

�Knowing we could use ViewInternet¹s technology coupled with our premium Portal, we began to look at the revenue model.  Our competitors' offerings lock hotels into long-term contracts and require the hotel to charge guests Internet access fees when using their computer. Usage data shows as many as 26 out of every 100 guests will choose to use a slow, cumbersome and unreliable dial-up connection rather than broadband access because they're frustrated with having to pay high access fees. And, although hotels will generate some revenue from charging Internet access fees, they will never generate enough revenue to make up for a congested PBX, unsatisfied guests and the potential loss in occupancy. This is why we decided we should offer high-speed laptop Internet access free to guests.�

The Wiredinn Portal
Unlike other portal providers, Wiredinn works directly with each hotel to customize a hotel-branded Wiredinn Portal that provides guests with a hotel-specific information guide and concierge area containing guest assistance information, personal recommendations, answers to guests' most Frequently Asked Questions, an online concierge connection and concierge profiles.

The Wiredinn Portal also provides guests with news and information (local, regional, global and industry news); tools and services (maps, weather, currency conversion, international time zones, and stock lookups); Wiredinn Travel Reservations; virtual office functionality; daily sports news coverage, statistics and scores; entertainment news and reviews; and, e-shopping.

�We found Wiredinn¹s usage statistics very key to the model,� said Vignesa Moorthy, director of research & technology for ViewInternet. �Wiredinn showed that a hotel can generate more revenue by offering free high-speed Internet access in the guestroom. In fact, Wiredinn¹s data shows that as many as 28 out of every 100 guests will use broadband connectivity services if offered for free. And, these 28 guests are happy to have and use the broadband service available to them. As a result, the hotel will not only improve guest satisfaction, but also increase occupancy.�

About ViewInternet
ViewInternet is a leading provider of customized broadband in-room Internet solutions to the hospitality industry. It has offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Madrid. The company is scheduled to open more offices in other key cities in the coming months. 

About Wiredinn
Wiredinn.com is a subsidiary of TIV, a renowned hospitality telecommunications auditing and consulting firm to more than 550 of the world¹s grandest luxury hotels.
Headquartered in the greater Dallas metroplex, Wiredinn is a leading provider of Integrated Internet solutions for the hospitality industry worldwide. By combining broadband Internet access and the content-rich, hotel-branded Wiredinn Portal, Wiredinn provides customized e-service solutions for the finest hotels around the world.