The first part of the installation, to be completed by July, will provide wired Internet service in 12,473 rooms in Hammons' portfolio. Wireless Internet access in the hotels' public areas is to come later. The companies cited figures from the Travel Industry Association of America that 42% of business travelers and 22% of leisure travelers use the Internet when on the road.

Austin-based Wayport has its Internet service in 525 hotels and 10 airports. Hotel clients include Loews, Wyndham, Hilton and Marriott.

Hammons, based in Springfield, MO, operates 56 hotels under brands including Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Radisson, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites. The company is build its first hotel in Austin next to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The company won a zoning change to allow it to build a 10-story structure, but is waiting for the economy to turn around before starting construction.