AT&T explains 3G restriction for SlingPlayer app
updated 08:25 pm EDT, Tue May 12, 2009
SlingPlayer app statement
Following the announcement that Sling Media's SlingPlayer iPhone app will only be available without support for 3G data, AT&T has released a statement explaining the restriction. The company blames the decision on network strain, as the large volume of data could potentially cause congestion and create access problems for other customers.
Interestingly enough, the carrier references part of its terms of service that applies to TV signals routed to personal computers. "Applications like this, which redirect a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service," the statement reads.
The company considers the iPhone and similar smartphones to be personal computers because they share the same "hardware and software attributes." Users can still access the content via Wi-Fi, or navigate to websites that provide streaming videos. "But what our terms and conditions prohibit is the transferring, or slinging, of a TV signal to their personal computer or smartphone."
AT&T concluded that the use of Wi-Fi is "good news" for its customers that get free access to its hotspot network. The SlingPlayer app will be available from the App Store for $30.
Dumbasses
05/12, 09:18pm reply
If the iPhone is a personal computer, why can't I connect it to my MacBook Pro to tether the data connection to another personal computer?
DrunkenTech
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Joined: Nov 2005
salty balls
05/12, 09:36pm reply
att can suck them for me.
bloggerblog
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Joined: Aug 2007
Equal treatment?
05/12, 09:39pm reply
Funny how AT&T didn't place this restriction on the Blackberry or Palm phones.
iufan
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Joined: May 2009
Funny..
05/12, 09:58pm reply
Funny how they reference TOS that didn't apply until they changed them after the slingplayer app was submitted.
ebeyer
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Joined: Jun 2004
AT
05/13, 12:35am reply
I pay a premium for my iPhone data service but get screwed compared to their other customers? Nice. Good way to treat your premium paying customers.
rcw3
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Joined: Apr 2009
Recent
05/13, 04:42am reply
"Applications like this, which redirect a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service," the statement reads.
Yeah, since you changed your service less than 7 days ago to specifically ban this app. Sheesh
mr100percent
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Joined: Dec 1999
Re: AT
05/13, 07:37am reply
I pay a premium for my iPhone data service but get screwed compared to their other customers?
Really? You pay a premium? You need to go to your local ATT store or call them up, because you should be paying just $30. You know, the same exact price they charge any other 3G phone.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
Not in USA...
05/13, 08:05am reply
... so my provider isn't AT&T but O2 in Britain. But because "AT&T" say so, presumably 3G is going to be disabled here too.
rachel_greenham
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Joined: Feb 2008
Re: Not in USA
05/13, 08:45am reply
That's right. The US is only what matters. You all just come along for the ride...
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
$30!!!!
05/13, 09:53am reply
WTF it's free on my desktop!
ethical_paul
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Joined: Mar 2002