• Silicon.com, Thursday, February 1, 2007 10:45 AM

Silicon.com is calling on the world's hotels to do away with the "mini-bar"-like expense many tack on for Web access. The Internet is an absolutely crucial component for hundreds of thousands of business travelers, and it's proving to be a costly expense for many companies.

According to Grant Shapps MP, vice chairman of the UK's Conservative Party, his country is the most notable offender. "To keep the UK competitive, it's vital that business services are available at competitive rates." Big businesses agree. Josh Claman, UK head of Dell, says Web access at every hotel should be "a given," implicit in the price of a hotel room, just like a gym or a pool.

Even booking agents say the charge will come back to haunt big hotel companies. As smaller players start to offer free access, big companies will turn their allegiances to them. "It is a fact that hotels offering this free service are more popular," says Tony Walsh of LateRooms.com.

Silicon.com has responded to the controversy by drafting a petition, which any professional can sign.

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