Hotels make room for Net

MAID and 4th Network will announce tomorrow that they are teaming up to bring high-speed Net access to hotels throughout the world.

Under the deal, MAID will offer a "Net on TV" technology that lets guests receive Net access on television sets in hotel rooms. MAID also will transfer its hotel Internet access contracts to 4th Network, including one with Thorn Business Communications, Europe's largest in-room entertainment provider.

The deal is latest effort to wire hotel rooms in a potentially lucrative market. Last month, OnCommand and WebTV Networks said they would join forces to bring customized Net access to hotels.

Nearly half of frequent business travelers and one-third of frequent leisure travelers already use online services, a fact that companies such as 4th Netowrk and OnCommand hope will enable their ventures to prosper.

"We will be able to offer a global service to hotel groups and business travelers with MAID, which is integral to our long-term strategy," 4th Network chief executive Scott Lewis said in a statement.

In addition, MAID will work with 4th Network to develop hotel-based services such as traveler email.