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http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/05/12/slingplayer.app.statement/

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.


by MacNN Staff

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TAGS :

 iPhone, iPhone apps, AT&T, SlingPlayer, Apple
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Comments

  1. DrunkenTech

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2005

    +6

    Dumbasses

    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?

  1. bloggerblog

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2007

    +3

    salty balls

    att can suck them for me.

  1. iufan

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 2009

    +4

    Equal treatment?

    Funny how AT&T didn't place this restriction on the Blackberry or Palm phones.

  1. ebeyer

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2004

    +5

    Funny..

    Funny how they reference TOS that didn't apply until they changed them after the slingplayer app was submitted.

  1. rcw3

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2009

    -2

    AT

    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.

  1. mr100percent

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Dec 1999

    +2

    Recent

    "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

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -4

    Re: AT

    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.

  1. rachel_greenham

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2008

    +2

    Not in USA...

    ... 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.

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -3

    Re: Not in USA

    That's right. The US is only what matters. You all just come along for the ride...

  1. ethical_paul

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Mar 2002

    0

    $30!!!!

    WTF it's free on my desktop!

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