FCC likely directing Logan to lay off Continental's WiFi

As you probably already know, we can't get enough of WiFi -- naturally we prefer the free variety, but have been known to fork over a few bucks from time to time to get our fix. So when we found out that Continental Airlines was offering free WiFi service to members of its frequent flier service at Boston-Logan International Airport, needless to say, we were pretty stoked. Now, one might think that transit authorities would be all for keeping customers happy and pacified, but apparently that's not the case with Massport, the governing body at Logan. According to Reuters, Massport instructed airlines in 2005 to unplug their wireless access points so that travelers could be graced with the new fee-based system it was installing airport-wide. Not surprisingly, Continental said "no thanks," kept its WiFi running, and filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission. This week, the FCC issued a proposed ruling to commissioners, which according to insiders, is likely to end up being in Continental's favor, given that the Feds are the only ones who can tell you how to use your hard-earned unlicensed spectrum. Apparently that's something Massport's going to have to learn the hard way.

[Gus Jenkins @ Sep 21st 2006 1:22PM]

You do mean fee-based and not few-based. Right?

[Cyrus Farivar @ Sep 21st 2006 1:40PM]

Yes. Good catch, guys. We've fixed.

[Theo Steinmiller @ Sep 21st 2006 1:34PM]

Yeah Fee-based not Few-based or did they mean Foo-based or maybe they mean Tofu-based. Turkey-baste would also work in this context. Also if it was Few-baste then few would baste in the glory of free errr few wifi, errr wifew, wifoo.....

[Theo Steinmiller @ Sep 21st 2006 1:51PM]

Did you mean "good catch Gus?" Sorry I couldn't resist.

[ralphg @ Sep 21st 2006 2:01PM]

My next business trip I'm taking a rental car. It's a five-hour drive, but I determined the drive (1) takes as long as the 1-hour flight, once all the airport-ralted time is included; and (2) is less hassle crossing the US-Canada border.

Free wireless in airports and access on the airplanes would make me switch back to flying. I don't mind waiting two hours in the airport if I can get in my Internet time.

[Phil C. @ Sep 21st 2006 3:48PM]

Typical Massachusetts politics at play. Take your money for Wifi, but not use it to keep airport tunnels from collapsing on your head.

[Grizz @ Sep 21st 2006 4:59PM]

The same thing happned last year when starbucks threw up free WiFi, and logan told them to shut it down or were gonna kick you off the island. Naturally starbucks backed down. Logan is super greedy that way.

[Tom B @ Sep 21st 2006 5:06PM]

This is not surprising and while it's cool to view it as a win for fliers, it's really about who has authority to govern radio reciever/transmitter use. Same as all the covenants you see in housing developments prohibiting satellite antennas. They sound impressive, but they're not enforceable because a community covenant doesn't trump FCC authority. Just so, Massport doesn't have the authority to say who may or may not use the unlicensed wireless spectrum.

[Eric @ Sep 22nd 2006 12:54AM]

Way to go, Continental! They are my favorite American carrier by far.

Any business that stands up for customer perks (especially free wifi!!!) is amazing in my book.