Continental Airlines, Logan Airport Fight it Out Over Wi-Fi
Continental Airlines, Logan Airport Fight it Out Over Wi-Fi
by , 10:10 AM EDT, August 5th, 2005
Boston's Logan International Airport is trying to block Continental Airlines from providing free wireless Internet access to its frequent fliers, which competes with the airport's US$7.95 per day pay service. Continental has filed a first of its kind complaint with the U.S. governments' Federal Communications Commission over the matter.
The Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates the airport, claims Continental's Wi-Fi service interferes with other wireless devices. It believes Continental's service poses an "unacceptable potential risk" and said it would take all necessary steps to have the service turned off and removed.
Continental argues Massport has no legal authority to restrict its Wi-Fi use and that its service doesn't interfere. Continental said that a 1996 Telecommunications Act law prevents local officials from interfering with wireless services.
"We believe that offering free Wi-Fi at Boston's Logan airport is consistent with the FCC's regulations and its prior rulings on similar issues and that it is permissible under the terms of our lease," Continental spokeswoman Julie King said Wednesday.
Massport ordered Continental to remove the Wi-Fi antenna from its Presidents Club lounge by July 9. The FCC isn't expected to rule on the dispute before August 29.
All 27 of Continental's frequent-flier lounges at airports have offered free Wi-Fi service since last December. A number of major airlines throughout the world offer similar wireless services, but many charge for them, as do the top 20 U.S.-based airports in parts of, if not all, of their terminal areas.
But while Massport contends Continental's service interferes with security equipment, a spokeswoman told ZDNet news the airline is free to purchase access from Massport's partner at a "very reasonable rate structure for airline use based on the number of emplanements at Logan airport or on the number of 'hits'."
Observer Comments
Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:26 am Subject: SO LAME
God this is so lame. I can't (well I CAN... ) believe that the airport is trying to pull this kind of stuff. Such a stupid and unreasonable suit to get into over what can only be a little bit of money. If the airport has wi-fi, and continental has wi-fi, then it would be pretty safe to say that continental's is not interfering with the Airport's security. What a crock. This is all about money, and it's disgusting that they're trying to use such BS to strong arm Continental.
I basically dislike air carriers (well the ones that don't make money and ask for Federal breaks) but I dislike using BS technology arguments to get your way even more.
I'm pretty sure the Columbus, OH airport (CMH) has free wi-fi throughout.
DarelRex@gmail.com
Fri Aug 05, 2005 6:43 pm Subject: Free in Connecticut
All you need to know is that it involves Massport. Basically a company that was created to manage all of the transportation access crap (airports, bridges, ports) in boston and they have a monopoly given to them by the government-this has nothing to do with security. Only that Massport has taken a beating since 9/11 and is looking for any way to make money. This is one of the most corrupt organizations in boston. They have a very union way of thinking-let's not compete fairly but find a way to screw our customers until they leave the airport and then whine about it.
It is likely that Logan Airport has a contract with a local company to provide, "exculsive" Wi Fi service at the airport, and the Continental service violates the, "exclusive" part of the contract. It is also likely that Logan airport will get a cut of the proceeds from the service.
If Continental is allowed to maintain its service, then what happens when Starbucks, Borders and any other company that has a Wi Fi service starts broadcasting? The local companys', "excusive" contract is worthless, the airport doesn't get its cut, and the Airport Authority can be held liable for its inability to assure that this local company is the only Wi Fi provider in airport.
The situation is pathetic; Logan is more interested in the incremental revenue from sale of the exculsive service then they are interesting in keeping the flying public happy. After all, what other airport is there for Continental to move to? Massport should be ashamed of themselves.
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