FCC rules against Logan's WiFi ban
Continental Airlines won a battle to offer high-speed Internet service in its frequent flier club at Boston Logan International Airport, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission ruled today.
The FCC ruled against the Massachusetts Port Authority, or Massport, which ordered airlines in 2005 to unplug their wireless and wireline high-speed Internet services in their lounges and instead use the airport's fee-based system.
"Today's decision ensures that the Wi-Fi bands remain free and open to travelers, who can make productive use of their time while waiting to catch their next flight in an airport," FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said in a statement.
A spokeswoman for MassPort was not immediately available for comment.
Massport argued that Continental's free service would interfere with its network, raise safety concerns and violate lease agreements. Continental appealed to the FCC.
The airline was backed by the industry, wireless providers and cargo shippers like United Parcel Service.
The FCC agreed in its ruling that the agency's Over-the-Air Reception Devices regulations allowed airlines to offer the Wi-Fi service.
Wireless communications provider T-Mobile USA withdrew its service from American Airlines' lounge at Boston airport in response to Massport's objections. (Reuters)
