George R. Brown Convention Center Internet for Exhibitors

Smart City Networks, the exclusive provider of IT and utility services at the GRB: telephone, internet, data networking, electrical and plumbing. Exhibitors order at orders.smartcitynetworks.com or by calling 713-853-8900, and every order needs a floor plan.

Yes. The venue’s FAQ says complimentary Wi-Fi covers all public spaces and meeting rooms at speeds suitable for web browsing and email, and that event and exhibitor internet comes from Smart City. Exhibit halls get none unless the show’s license provides it, though Smart City says a show may sponsor Wi-Fi, sometimes including the show floor.

At the incentive rate, Smart City’s Exhibitor Ordering Guide (October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026) lists shared Light Wired at $895 and dedicated lines from $3,495 for 3 Mbps to $19,250 for 25 Mbps; 10 Mbps is $7,850. Standard and Premium Hotspots run $2,339 to $39,050. Base rates are higher, such as $9,810 for 10 Mbps, and orders placed onsite or after move-in starts cost base plus 20%. These are the same prices as Smart City’s San Diego and Dallas guides.

Order with payment 14 days before the first day of move-in to get Smart City’s incentive rate, for internet, electrical and plumbing alike. After that deadline, base rates apply, and Smart City’s terms say orders placed onsite or after move-in has started cost the base price plus 20%. Include a floor plan; Smart City requires one with every order and asks for it 5 days before move-in to avoid added charges.

No venue rule we found bans it, but Smart City’s Wireless Performance Agreement says “Wireless Devices not authorized by Smart City are strictly prohibited” and doesn’t mention cellular gateways. Its ordering guide says a personal hotspot will work in the building, though service may become unreliable in crowds. The venue’s 2019 rules have no hotspot or Wi-Fi rule. Run MR·NET with its Wi-Fi off and devices on Ethernet, adding no Wi-Fi to the hall, and check your show’s rules.

No. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau says no convention center or network operator providing service there may intentionally block or disrupt personal Wi-Fi hot spots, and federal law prohibits jamming Wi-Fi or cellular signals. The FCC has fined a convention center internet provider $750,000 and a hotel operator $600,000 for blocking hotspots. If you suspect blocking, file a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints. This is not legal advice.

Yes. GRB South, a new 700,000-square-foot building that will connect directly to the existing center, is scheduled to open in May 2028, Houston First said in April 2026. A bond sale of about $1.38 billion fully funds the project’s first phase, which includes GRB South.

Only on a dedicated line. Smart City’s guide says routers are not permitted on Light Wired service and will not work; Smart City has often found routers on its shared network installed incorrectly, which can cause problems for other users. Dedicated lines allow wireless and hardline routers and include five static public IPs.