December 31, 2003
COX COMMUNICATIONS' HOSPITALITY NETWORK DIVISION DEPLOYS THE NATION'S
LARGEST HOTEL WIRELESS NETWORK AT MGM GRAND
Largest Hotel in the Nation Demonstrates Power of Hospitality
Network Wireless Solution
LAS VEGAS, December 31, 2003 –- Cox Communications' Hospitality
Network division, the leading provider of in-room guest video
and data technology services to the gaming industry, announced
that it has deployed the largest hotel wireless Internet network
in the nation at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The deployment at MGM Grand uses state-of-the-art "802.11b"
Wi-Fi in-room access points. MGM Grand guests now have the option
of purchasing the newly installed high-speed Wi-Fi access technology
or the existing Hospitality Network high-speed wired Internet
service from the convenience of their own rooms.
"The deployment of the Hospitality Network wireless Internet
service will greatly enhance our guest experience at MGM Grand,"
said David Van Kalsbeek, Senior Vice President of Hotel Sales
& Marketing for MGM Grand. "To remain competitive, we
are always finding ways to utilize new technology and enhance
our offerings of upscale guest amenities."
"Providing wireless Internet at MGM Grand demonstrates the
power of Hospitality Network to dramatically enhance technology
at the world's finest hotels and resorts," said Mark Lipford,
vice president and region manager for Cox Communications in Las
Vegas. "It also displays the scalability of our service to
meet customer needs from small casino hotels to the largest gaming
resort in the nation."
The deployment of the wireless network takes place just prior
to 2004 International CES, the world's largest annual tradeshow
for consumer technology, taking place January 8-11 in Las Vegas.
More than 110,000 technology-savvy attendees and 2,200 consumer
electronics firms are expected for the convention.
About MGM Grand
MGM Grand, "The City of Entertainment," features 5,034
elegant rooms and suites. Also located at MGM Grand is The Mansion,
an exclusive hotel within the hotel, featuring 29 exquisitely
appointed villas ranging in size from 2,400 square feet to 12,000
square feet. MGM Grand features world-class entertainment including
star-studded concerts and events at the MGM Grand Garden Arena,
La Femme direct from the Crazy Horse in Paris, Las Vegas' newest
ultra lounge Tabú and the city's hottest nightclub - Studio
54. The resort offers signature restaurants by celebrity chefs
including Tom Colicchio, Stephen Hanson and Michael Mina, an elaborate
380,000 square foot Conference Center and a dynamic Lion Habitat.
MGM Grand is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM MIRAGE. For room
availability and information, call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777
or log onto the World Wide Web at www.mgmgrand.com.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications (NYSE: COX), a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service
broadband communications company with approximately 6.5 million
total customers, including 6.3 million basic cable subscribers.
The nation's fourth-largest cable television provider, Cox offers
both analog cable television under the Cox Cable brand as well
as advanced digital video service under the Cox Digital Cable
and Hospitality Network brands. Cox provides an array of other
communications and entertainment services, including high-speed
Internet access under the Cox High Speed Internet brand and commercial
voice and data services via Cox Business. Local cable
advertising, promotional opportunities and production services
are sold under the Cox MediaSM brand. Cox is an investor in programming
networks including Discovery Channel. More information about Cox
Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com.
