Both Google and Yahoo are offering free Wi-Fi this winter. Google is sponsoring free Wi-Fi Internet access at 47 airports across the U.S., and Yahoo is sponsoring free Wi-Fi in New York's Times Square.

"This is the second Wi-Fi promotion Google is offering this season -- previously, they announced that they would pay for your Wi-Fi access on board Virgin America flights," notes Gadling.com's Scott Carmichael.

What's more, as GeekSugar notes, Google is "spreading the cheer. Once you log in using the free wireless, you're given the option to donate to one of three non-profit organizations. At the end of the promotion, Google will match all donations up to $250,000."

"Not to be outdone by Google's recent gift of free Wi-Fi to 47 airports across the US, Yahoo is getting into the game," adds Gearlog's Brian Heater. "As part of its bold new advertising push, the company announced... that it will be bringing free Wi-Fi to New York's Times Square for the next year... because, as every New Yorker already knows, the sidewalks of Times Square definitely need more distractions."

More here from The Register ... more here from TUAW ... more here from Electronista ... more here from Mashable ... more here from Newsday ... Google's announcement is here ... and Yahoo's announcement is here.