It’s about equality, security

Opposing view: Airlines shouldn’t be allowed to favor elite few over rest of ( iers.

Who gets to provide high- speed wireless Internet access at Boston’s Logan International Airport is a case of airlines putting travel perks for an elite few ahead of the broad interests of the traveling public.

By providing its own central Wi- Fi network, and by restricting airlines from installing their own competing networks, Logan is ensuring the availability of high- speed Internet access for all passengers. They may choose from among hundreds of Internet service providers, with Wi- Fi service available throughout the airport. Passengers may use their existing ISP at no additional charge. Those without an ISP may pay a nominal fee for 24 hours of service.

In contrast, airlines at Logan offer limited service to their elite frequent E iers who pay extra to join private, members-only clubs. Some airlines even negotiate incentives from ISPs to limit service to club members who subscribe to a particular ISP. Unlike the airlines, the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Logan, treats all passengers and ISPs equally.

In these days of terrorism and safety alerts, security is a critical consideration for Logan’s decision to offer central Wi- Fi. The central network is designed with that goal in mind. Massport’s primary focus is to create a safe environment for airline passengers. The central Wi- Fi network provides = rst responders at Logan with enhanced services and secure communications.

The airlines’ Wi- Fi networks are not only exclusive but also could degrade the quality of service for all users. Imagine the Wi- Fi chaos if every airline, every vendor, every security agency and every ISP deployed its own system.

These are dif = cult times for airlines, struggling to stay alive amid rising fuel costs and stiff competition. Still, airlines shouldn’t value elite passengers over the safety of the traveling public. All airlines enforce governmental restrictions on the use of electronic devices on aircraft. Why do airlines now want to ignore similar common- sense restrictions on the use of Wi- Fi devices in airports?

Craig Coy is chief executive of cer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, which manages Logan International Airport.