Business travellers are increasingly dependent on Internet-based resources while on the road.
Total Internet users worldwide are anticipated to reach 1.17 billion by 2005, up from 407 million in 2000. Increasingly, travellers expect more than just an e-mail connection, said Birenbaum. Many would like access to corporate intranets while on the road but find the data too heavy to download over a telephone line the most widespread form of Internet connection currently used. Broadband s applications extend well beyond guest communications. It can also enhance the services available at the hotel s meetings facility in areas such as training, video-conferencing, webcasting, and wireless technology.