�We�re extremely happy to be part of the Choice Hotels team,� says Vince Lucci, president of Youngstown, Ohio-based Broadband Hospitality. �We expect this new partnership to be a win-win situation for both companies. We look forward to working with owners and franchisees of all of Choice�s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway brands.�

Daniel Rothfeld, senior vice president, partner services for Choice Hotels International, says Broadband Hospitality was selected because of its competitive price point, its understanding of the hotel franchise business and its ability to provide different high-speed Internet solutions for different locations.

�Broadband Hospitality is capable of providing multiple solutions to meet the needs of our franchisees,� Rothfeld says. �Their price point is very competitive in the marketplace.�

Because it has been selected as an endorsed vendor, Broadband Hospitality will enjoy increased distribution opportunities within the Choice Hotels system. Broadband also will have the opportunity to introduce its products and services to franchisees at this year�s annual Choice Hotels International convention in San Diego on May 12-14.

High-speed service picks up steam

�High-speed Internet service is becoming a standard amenity at most hotels and Choice properties that have it will be more competitive in their markets,� says Ed Santor, national sales manager for Broadband Hospitality. An increasing number of business and leisure travelers are requesting high-speed service. Hotels that do not have it are at a competitive disadvantage.�

Broadband Hospitality now has more than 150 hotels with more than 16,000 rooms installed or under contract. Included among them are a Quality Suites in Melbourne, Fla., and a Comfort Suites in Coraopolis, Penn. 

�We believe Broadband Hospitality is an ideal fit for hotels of any size�whether a Clarion hotel in a large market, or a limited-service Sleep Inn in a suburban location,� Lucci says. �We provide the same level of prompt, high-quality service to all of our customers throughout the United States. We understand that selecting the correct high-speed solution can be a challenge. We aim to make that process as headache-free as possible.�

Broadband Hospitality separates itself from its competitors by providing around-the-clock tech support 24 hours a day every day of the year. 

�We have a professional support team that is always available to help our customers and their guests with any questions or problems,� Lucci says. �Choice Hotels owners or franchisees who choose Broadband Hospitality can count on that same level of superior support.�

About Choice Hotels International:

Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 42 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand names. Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn are registered trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc. For more information on Choice Hotels, visit the company�s website at www.choicehotels.com. 

About Broadband Hospitality:

Founded in 1993, Broadband Hospitality�s mission is to help hotels and restaurants leverage the full power of the Internet by providing complete, high-quality, high-performance Internet solutions. In addition to traditional wired solutions, Broadband also installs wireless "hot spots." These hot spots typically include areas such as lobbies, breakfast areas and meeting rooms. Broadband has partnered with some of the leading wireless hardware companies to implement Wi-Fi technology and can offer the best solution for each property.

In addition to providing high-speed Internet access solutions for restaurants, guestrooms, business centers, kiosks and conference rooms, Broadband Hospitality offers print services (printing guest documents via the in-room Internet connection), e-commerce platforms for hotel chains, video on demand, videoconferencing and voice over IP. 

Broadband Hospitality offers a wide range of voice solutions, including local service. The company also is an authorized Mitel dealer that installs and services hotel phone systems. Because of its strategic partnerships with companies such as AT&T, Paradyne Corp., Qwest Mitel and Tut Systems, Broadband Hospitality can offer its customers the best possible telecommunications and network solutions at the best possible price.

Broadband is the preferred HSIA vendor of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Assn. At its convention in April 2003, the OH&LA presented Broadband Hospitality with its Stars of the Industry Allied Member of the Year award. Broadband Hospitality is also a member of the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Assn. 

For more information about Broadband Hospitality, go to www.broadbandhospitality.com or call Vince Lucci, president, at (330) 629-8848.