Wireless - Spectrum: Boston's Logan Airport Challenges Continental

The operator of the Boston Airport has ordered Continental Airlines to turn off its wireless network. The airport initially claimed that the network, offered free as a perk to members of its airport lounge, violated the airline's lease. The complaint was subsequently broadened to allege that the network posed security concerns. The airport offered to allow Continental to use the airport's wireless vendor who had been granted an exclusive right to broadcast wireless signals in the airport, with, of course, the airport getting a cut of the revenue. Continental has filed a complaint with the FCC alleging that the airport's actions violate an FCC rule prohibiting landlords from controlling telecommunications access. This matter is important since it signals a coming battle between landlords and other entities who may seek to control, and profit from, the wireless telecommunications services entering their facilities - since the battle over wired services has already been decided.

Information Week Article Background and Commentary on the FCC Rule