Philippines hotel deploys Wi-Fi

12.01.2006
East Asia Royale Hotel, one of the biggest hotels in this city, has successfully deployed wireless Internet access. By doing so, it wants to help General Santos project an image of being an IT-friendly city.

Established in 1997 and owned by the E.A. Bartolome Group of Companies, the hotel sits along the National Highway in the General Santos Business District, within walking distance from malls, restaurants, and a driving range. It is accessible to almost all the major support infrastructures in General Santos -- 30 minutes from the airport, and 35 minutes from the fish port.

Its proximity to the business district is one of the main reasons why East Asia Royale attracts many business meetings and conventions. Initially, the Internet connectivity in the hotel is limited to the room phone line, and via the business center line.

'Guests with laptops can connect to the Internet through the room phone line or the business center line. Guests without laptops use the business center computer to check their mail,' said Lorelynn D. Grafilo, senior sales and marketing executive at the East Asia Royale Hotel.

However, some of the guests had problems with the Internet connection in the room. The business center, being the only alternative, was not a viable option for the guests since there was only one computer unit at the business center.

Grafilo said that the management was deliberating on getting a better Internet service provider, when GlobeQUEST came along and offered their Wi-Fi services.