Hotel Communication Network (HCN), a global provider of ad-supported, AI Concierge enabled in-room tablets for hotels, announces a groundbreaking partnership with Stingray, the Montreal-based global music, media, and technology company. This industry-first collaboration will bring 20 channels of genre-diverse, fully licensed music streaming to HCN’s in-room tablets — delivering a new layer of entertainment to hotel guests at no cost to hoteliers.
With this partnership, guests can now enjoy curated music playlists from Stingray directly on the HCN tablet. The player, designed for flexibility, can be minimized on the screen to allow for multitasking while listening. After every three songs, an audio ad will play—mimicking the familiar rhythm of traditional radio. The best part? All applicable licenses and royalty fees are fully covered through HCN’s innovative ad-supported tablet platform, meaning no cost or additional infrastructure is required from the hotel.
“This is a major evolution in the guest experience,” said Kevin Bidner, CEO of HCN. “Hotels have never had a way to legally stream music in guestrooms before. By teaming up with Stingray, we’re making it possible for hotels to offer high-quality, licensed music without a penny coming out of their budgets. It’s a win for hotels and a win for guests.”
Stingray’s music channels span a broad range of genres—from pop and jazz to chill lounge and classical—catering to every guest’s mood and preference. This exclusive feature enhances the in-room ambiance and contributes to a more personalized, comfortable stay.
“This partnership is a natural fit,” said David Purdy, Chief Revenue Officer of Stingray. “Our goal is to bring the best music experiences to people wherever they are — and what better place than a hotel room, where guests are looking to relax, work, or recharge. Thanks to HCN’s smart, ad-supported platform, we can offer our full music experience with no royalties passed on to hotels.”
With HCN based in Ottawa and Stingray headquartered in Montreal, this partnership marks a powerful Canadian collaboration driving innovation in hospitality tech. Together, they’re setting a new standard in guest engagement and entertainment.
