MILWAUKEE, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Telkonet, Inc. (OTC BB: TKOI), operator of EthoStream, one of the nation's largest hospitality high-speed Internet access network providers, has been designated a "Preferred" High-Speed Internet access provider by Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

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"Guest satisfaction with a hotel stay can be tied, in large part, to the quality of the Internet access," said Dave Heinen, VP of Asset Management at Summit Hotel Properties. "We selected EthoStream as a preferred provider because the company has always done an excellent job ensuring guests enjoy uninterrupted high-speed Internet."

As a newly certified Marriott high-speed Internet access vendor, EthoStream will upgrade Marriott hotels in the Summit Hotel Properties portfolio to meet the brand's new network standards.

Infrastructure improvements are underway at the Courtyard by Marriott El Paso, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Scottsdale, Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Denver and Courtyard by Marriott Memphis. All of Summit's 34 Marriott-branded hotels will be considered for future upgrades. In addition, the hotels will have an opportunity to work with EthoStream on future projects and network maintenance.

"EthoStream has always provided network equipment and support of the highest quality," added Heinen. "Now that Marriott has certified EthoStream as an approved Internet access provider, we couldn't be more confident in selecting them as a preferred provider ourselves."

EthoStream and Summit Hotel Properties have continued to work together since April 2007. In 2011, Summit Hotel Properties contracted EthoStream to install EthoStream Gateway Servers and provide guest support for a number of hotels.

"As Summit Hotel Properties continues to expand its portfolio, EthoStream will be available to help the new additions meet corporate high-speed Internet access standards," said Matt Koch, Telkonet's COO.

ABOUT SUMMIT HOTEL PROPERTIES, INC.
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on acquiring and owning premium-branded select-service hotels in the upscale and upper midscale segments. As of December 2012, the Company's hotel portfolio consisted of 82 hotels with a total of 8,674 guestrooms located in 21 states. For more information, visit www.shpreit.com.

ABOUT TELKONET
Telkonet is a leading energy management technology provider offering hardware, software and services to Commercial customers worldwide.  The EcoCentral Platform, in conjunction with the EcoSmart Suite of products, provides comprehensive savings, management and reporting of a building's energy consumption. Telkonet's energy management products are installed in properties within the Hospitality, Military, Educational, Healthcare and Residential markets reducing energy consumption, carbon footprints and eliminating the need for new energy generation. For more information, visit www.telkonet.com.

For news updates as they happen, follow @Telkonet on Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT ETHOSTREAM
EthoStream is one of the largest public High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) providers in the world, providing services to more than 4.2 million users monthly across a network of greater than 2,300 locations.  EthoStream's EGS line of public-access gateway servers provides real-time monitoring and management of guest-access networks while its 24/7 support center is known for the highest levels of quality and service.  With a wide range of product and service offerings and one of the most comprehensive management platforms available for HSIA networks, EthoStream offers solutions for any public access location. For more information, please visit www.ethostream.com.

SOURCE Telkonet, Inc.