In 2005, an interesting debate sprung up in Boston between Continental Airlines (who wanted to offer free Wi-Fi to frequent flyers) and Logan Airport (who wanted to charge customers $7.95 a day). To get their way, Logan and the Mass. Transit Authority claimed that Continental's service was a threat to airport security and shouldn't be allowed.

This, combined with the University of Texas's efforts to ban all "unsanctioned" Wi-Fi hotspots, fostered debate over whether a landlord has any authority over wireless transmissions on their property.

But with the FCC consistently and repeatedly stating (pdf) that only the federal government has such authority, there really isn't much of a dispute. From their statement in 2004:

"The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) releases this Public Notice in response to questions from the public regarding the use of unlicensed devices, including customer antennas, especially in the context of a variety of multi-tenant environments (MTEs). MT environments encompass venues such as hotels, conference and convention centers, airports, and colleges and universities. In particular, questions have arisen about the role of the Commission in addressing and resolving radio interference (“RFI”) issues in these settings. In addition, questions have arisen about the ability of homeowners associations, landlords, and other third parties to prohibit customer use of small antennas when consumers install and operate them as unlicensed devices.

In response, we reaffirm that, under the Communications Act, the FCC has exclusive authority to resolve matters involving radio frequency interference [RFI] when unlicensed devices are being used, regardless of venue. We also affirm that the rights that consumers have under our rules to install and operate customer antennas one meter or less in size apply to the operation of unlicensed equipment, such as Wi-Fi access points - just as they do to the use of equipment in connection with fixed wireless services licensed by the FCC."

Commissioner Martin is apparently preparing to side with Continental in the dispute, but is waiting for approval from two other FCC commissioners.