IHG's Wi-Fi Solution on Pace to Reach Milestone in 2016

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is bringing an improved Internet experience to more of its hotels and making it easier for loyalty program members to connect in the process.

IHG recently announced that its IHG Connect Internet platform is on track to reach 1,500 hotels in the Americas by the end of 2016. 

What's more, the company said it ultimately plans to have the platform in place at its more than 5,000 hotels worldwide down the road. Most of IHG's hotels in the Americas are expected to be equipped with IHG Connect by the end of 2018.

Launched last year, the Wi-Fi upgrade relies on increased bandwidth and cloud-based technology to deliver a faster and more reliable service.

In addition to providing a better quality of Internet connectivity, IHG Connect allows IHG Rewards Club members who enter their credentials to be automatically connected when they enter an enabled hotel in the future.

Users can also access Wi-Fi across multiple devices.

READ MORE: How Long Can Hotel Guests Go Without Wi-Fi?

"This solution transforms the guest Internet experience at our IHG-branded hotels and creates real value for owners," said IHG's vice president of technology for the Americas Jeff Eckard in a statement. 

"Early adopter IHG Connect-enabled hotels have already seen a double-digit increase in their guest Internet satisfaction scores."

Citing a survey conducted by KRC Research on its behalf earlier this month, IHG said 71 percent of consumers say they encounter issues when using public Wi-Fi. The same survey found that nearly nine out of 10 consumers (86 percent) feel public Wi-Fi networks should be easier to connect to.

Currently, Internet service is free at all of IHG's hotels with the exception of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand.

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