Reuters' Jeremy Pelofsky reports that Continental Airlines has won its battle to offer free Wi-Fi in its frequent flier club at Boston's Logan Airport.

"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," Pelofsky writes.

Engadget's Darren Murph points out that this is waaay out of character for the FCC these days. "In a staggeringly pro-consumer remark, the Commission's commissioner insinuated that open Internet access was meant to be free and readily available to travelers 'who can make productive use of their time while waiting to catch their next flight,'" Murph writes. "Bravo FCC, bravo."

And so, according to the Boston Herald's Donna Goodison, this ends the two-year battle between Massport and Continental -- unless Massport appeals. "We're disappointed in the ruling, but reviewing it carefully and weighing our options moving forward," Massport spokeswoman Danny Levy says.

Wi-Fi Networking News' Glenn Fleishman goes into detail on the ruling, noting that this could have a broad impact on landlord-tenant disputes regarding Wi-Fi. "This is the first time a Part 15 device has been involved in the application of the OTARD [over-the-air reception devices] rules, so this decision has remarkably broad standing in clarifying any future disputes," he writes.

And according to the Associated Press' Mark Pratt, this may well lead to more free Wi-Fi at airports nationwide. Air Transport Association spokesperson Victoria Day says, "The ruling is not exclusive to Logan but extends to other airports as well. This ruling gives passengers a broader choice in accessing the Internet while traveling."