Phoenix Convention Center Internet for Exhibitors

Smart City Networks. Smart City says it is the exclusive provider for all technology services at the Phoenix Convention Center, which awarded it the contract in 2012. Exhibitors order at orders.smartcitynetworks.com; Smart City’s Phoenix team is at 602-252-1770 or phoenix@smartcity.com, and every order needs a floor plan.

Yes, for light use. Smart City says complimentary Wi-Fi covers the lobby, meeting rooms and common spaces but shouldn’t be used for mission-critical tasks. Exhibit halls get none unless the show’s license provides it, so order a line from Smart City (from $795 shared) or bring your own connection.

At the incentive rate, Smart City’s Exhibitor Ordering Guide (October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026) lists shared Light Wired at $795 and dedicated lines from $2,800 for 6 Mbps to $11,440 for 25 Mbps; 10 Mbps is $4,800. Standard Hotspots cost $2,339 to $4,400. These dedicated prices are lower than the same tiers in Smart City’s San Diego, Dallas and Houston guides, where 10 Mbps is $7,850.

Order with payment 14 days before the first day of move-in to get Smart City’s incentive rate. 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. 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.

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.

Order at orders.smartcitynetworks.com or call 888-446-6911; the Phoenix team is at 602-252-1770. Include a floor plan. ITS America’s 2024 exhibitor kit carried Smart City’s June 2022 to December 2023 Phoenix form, which listed $895 for Basic Internet and $7,850 for 10 Mbps; the October 2025 to December 2026 guide lists $795 and $4,800.