San Diego Convention Center Internet for Exhibitors

Smart City Networks, the venue’s exclusive provider of internet, telephone and cable TV. The center’s license agreement lists telecommunications, data, fiber and internet among the services only the center or its contract providers may supply. Exhibitors order at orders.smartcitynetworks.com or by calling 888-446-6911, and every order needs a floor plan.

Yes, in lobbies, meeting rooms and ballrooms, with an option to pay for more speed. Smart City says the free Wi-Fi isn’t for mission-critical tasks, and its guide says exhibit halls get none unless the show’s license provides it. Smart City and the center announced a completed Wi-Fi 6 upgrade on June 12, 2025, replacing more than 1,000 access points. For a booth, order a line from Smart City (from $895 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 $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%.

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.

Smart City’s documents discourage it. A 2018 venue and Smart City flyer says “Don’t bring in cellular devices that create wireless networks,” and Smart City’s Wireless Performance Agreement says “Wireless Devices not authorized by Smart City are strictly prohibited” without mentioning cellular gateways. Its ordering guide says a personal hotspot will work in the building, and the center’s regulations have no wireless rule. If you bring MR·NET, run it with its Wi-Fi off and devices on Ethernet, so it creates no wireless network, and check with your show first.

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. Smart City’s San Diego team is at 619-525-5500 or sandiego@smartcity.com. Include a floor plan; Smart City requires one with every order. The center’s Technology page links Smart City’s July 2024 to December 2025 guide, whose prices match the October 2025 to December 2026 guide.