Back in March 7 Marriott announced a limited free internet benefit for Gold and Platinum elites to start May 7: only in the U.S. (excluding Hawaii and US territories) and Canada.

Yesterday they announced on Flyertalk that the benefit will be extended to Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Not Europe, Asia, etc.

It’s progress. It doesn’t match Hyatt’s worldwide offering for all elites or Starwood’s worldwide offering for Platinum elites. But it’s progress. And they’ve also annonced free local calls in the US and Canada for anyone that doesn’t own a cell phone for Golds and Platinums.