AT&T issues official statement on SlingPlayer's 3G blackout for iPhone
By Chris Ziegler 
posted May 12th 2009 7:20PM
posted May 12th 2009 7:20PM
Here's where we start to lose our way, though. AT&T cites a portion of its wireless terms and conditions -- "Applications like this, which redirect a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service" -- and says that it considers "smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs." Sure, guys, but a RAZR shares 85 percent of its DNA with a PC and an iPhone shares 87 percent, so we're splitting hairs here -- never mind the fact that you've inexplicably labeled the S60-powered Nokia 6650 (which can run SlingPlayer, by the by) a dumbphone simply because it lacks a QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore, AT&T specifically points out that it doesn't restrict users from downloading streaming videos, which is the very problem SlingPlayer generates -- the upload from the user's TV on the far end is the ISP's concern, not AT&T's, and we figure that the network pressure generated by the download is roughly equivalent to watching a whole bunch of YouTube videos. It doesn't add up.
Next, the carrier uses the opportunity to pimp its extensive WiFi network and says that you're welcome to use SlingPlayer there; that's all well and good, and yes, it's cool that AT&T gives iPhone users free access to the hotspots, but it's no substitute for the mobility of streaming Sling over the WWAN, which works really freaking well -- just ask countless BlackBerry, S60, WinMo, and Palm users who are using SlingPlayer as you read this. The only material difference is that they can't be touched -- not as easily, at least, as iPhone users who are bound to the whim of Apple's singular, all-powerful clearinghouse.
Look, AT&T, just tell it like it is: you're saying your 3G network would fold like a cheap suit if these apps took off. Thing is, it already has in some places -- trust us, we've experienced it firsthand -- so let's make sure the blame gets distributed appropriately here.
Follow the break for AT&T's full statement.
"Slingbox, which would use large amounts of wireless network capacity, could create congestion and potentially prevent other customers from using the network. The application does not run on our 3G wireless network. Applications like this, which redirect a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service. We consider smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs.
That said, we don't restrict users from going to a Web site that lets them view videos. But what our terms and conditions prohibit is the transferring, or slinging, of a TV signal to their personal computer or smartphone.
The Slingbox application for the iPhone runs on WiFi. That's good news for AT&T's iPhone 3G customers, who get free WiFi access at our 20,000 owned and operated hot spots in the U.S., including Starbucks, McDonalds, Barnes & Noble, hotels, and airports. AT&T is the industry leader in WiFi."
So it is ok to stream tv channels, as long as you pay $15 more a month for mobile tv. Come on...
mobiletv doesn't work off their network...it's mediaflo, which is totally different
So happy I have a Nokia. I use Sling and dont have to worry about this Iphone BS. I guess its just another price you pay for wanting an Iphone. When will you learn, you buy a device from at&t you cannot expect to do the same things as an unlocked device.
ATT = FAIL
Yeah so much for CV (Cellular Video) or is it really still Cingular Video hmmm lol
I guess that would violate the terms, so off it should go too...
So much for YouTube, assuming you can watch www.youtube.com/shows
how can that be any diff than say slingbox?
This really hurts AT&T and helps put Verizon in a better situation in the ongoing negotiations for the Iphone.
They should just be transparent and say that they'd rather you use their "approved" streaming video services(Cingular Video), for which they will happily charge their customers extra for, instead of using third party apps like this.
Good post, Chris! That scumbag that runs BGR could never bring his shamelessly fanboyish ass to tell it like it is about AT&T!
idiot, cellular video doesn't cost extra...it's an application that is free to use on any phone you have an internet plan on and is in no way comparable to slingplayer
still think AT&T is the bee's knees?
I think Verizon's network would crumble just as much, if not more since most of their smart phones don't have wifi. I don't think any one of the providers would have seen the iPhone be what it has become, thus not being prepaired for network strain that has never been seen before.
How long before someone finds out how to remove the wifi-only restriction.
"it's cool that AT&T gives iPhone users free access to the hotspots". Huh? What's this? Didn't see that tidbit in the iPhone packet. Got a pointer as to where that is offered so I can take advantage of this bounty?
anywhere that has at&t wifi (starbucks, mcdonalds, etc)
More revenue makes the network better...every marketing exec knows that.
I hate to say it after years with big blue but it may be time to switch our whole company over to big red.
Engadget says: you're saying your 3G network would fold like a cheap suit if these apps took off
Nothing can be more obvious than the truth, ATT's 3G network is absolutely horrendous and people are starting to notice! They can and will limit anything that will slow down their network, including bumping people down to 2G when in a 3G coverage area so that even the calls continue to route.
What good is having full bars when you cant use the service for what you really want to do?!?!?
AT&T is run by greedy Luddites. Their number one concern is that they want you to pay through the a$$ for their service. They will call Apple several times per day to control the end-user freedom, limiting the customer "experience". They brandish the precious "Terms of Service" and quickly interpret those ToS however they deem fit.
AT&T has long had a problem. They have no capability to plan. They force the end-users into increasingly restrictive Terms of Service due to their inadequate network, and they have an inability to enhance their network.
AT&T is more worried about the quarterly profit than keeping customers happy and growing their network. They don't realize that Verizon has a better network, and they keep customers BECAUSE their network is better.
@Dick, of course AT&T is more concerned with quarterly profits than customers. They are a business and their owners (shareholders) are concerned with profits. If you want to run a not-for-profit carrier go ahead.
I think the article has it right, AT&T is concerned that their network would crash and everybody would have problems. Not have a true Slingbox experience only upsets a couple of people.
I think everyone has to face it, you won't get the full experience you want until LTE comes out with higher bandwidth. I would be willing to bet that Apple is interested in Verizon as much for the earlier move to LTE as they are to the extra customers.
Well, does this mean that they will shut down the ability for WinMo phones to stream slingplayer like I used to with my Treo???
Fair is Fair after all.
Great post Chris Z, well said!
Sheer hypocrisy AT&T. If you're going to do this to Sling on the iPhone, then shut down Sling on the WinMo, Bberries, and Nokias that are also happily slinging away. Stop selling the USB/modem dongles that hey - if you attach them to a Mac or PC - can happily stream and sling away.
Ten bucks says that AT&T will offer (at some point) their own sh*te service based off of U-verse or some DVR-based content, where they will happily let you watch that service.
AT&T's network does blow. Why spend the money hyping the capability if you're going to turn and run.
Now for the million dollar question. Will Sling be able to sell a 3G version in other countries that have real networks - like the UK - instead of what passes as "3G" here?
And by the way, if you decide to jailbreak your iPhone, there is a way to get around this.
As I commented in the previous post... Epic fail!
Its just another sad day for the carrier and phone itself, why make a phone and a network that brags so much on how big and bad ass they are and yet they show how weak they truly are. Another reason i wont bother switching to such a piss poor network or to a phone that is scared to flex's its so called muscle. Their limited in every way, which is pitiful. Att and iphone suck like their creators.
AT&T you are a bunch of a**holes! This is the reason Apple should be shopping around for another carrier. I had no problem paying $30 (are you reading Sling and Apple), for the app. As soon as they said no 3G, deal breaker!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be leaving one star with an explanation in the app store without purchasing the app. My way of boycotting.
Giving us a crippled app on a crippled network. Thanks AT&T.
Listen up Sling. I don't currently own a Sling Box. But I do own an iPhone.
I was going to go out and purchase a brand spanking new Sling Box, just so I could use it on my mobile. Count me as one potential customer lost.
I'm not sure you can blame Sling for this issue as they clearly would have liked to keep their product offering with the same features as they do on all other platforms they've created the player for. This is clearly an at&t forced moved, so if you want to blame someone blame at&t.
Doesn't AT&T limit the maximum data to 5GB a month just like Verizon? Slinging even just an hour of TV shows would put a huge dent in that allowance. Whether it's a soft cap or hard cap, until they remove the 5GB restriction this is all moot.
I Sling to my Samsung Omnia on Verizon, and I've never gone over 5GB a month (with other internet usage, too.) I remember reading a post from a SLing employee once that it would take several hours of slinging every day at 500kbps (which I never reach anyway) to break 5GB/Mo.
Here's a thread over at the Sling forums, where a user breaks down the actual math - 350kbps equals about 40hrs of TV per month. Not bad.
http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/thread/26523/Overhaul-of-AT-T-Mobile-Data-Plans-could-affect-SlingPlayer-Mobile-users/
i'm against the hypocrisy and device discrimination here, but honestly, does anyone think any one US network would be able to remain useable with ~20 million of iPhone subscribers (and growing), many of those running streaming media apps like this with the frequency that they'd use radio or tv? People talk as though Verizon is bulletproof, but they've got a finite amount of resources like AT&T or any other carrier. As a subscriber, i'm aware of AT&T limitations, but downing their network while praising Verizon's as some sort of messiah without a firm understand of capabilities of both networks is immature.
iphone and slingbox would kill att's bandwidth. just buy a BOLD. it works
At&T is running scared... they understand their network isnt where it needs to be and apple isnt a company that likes to wait years before pushing the next major technology push (like Motorola did - how long did it take before the Razr played mp3s?) In the end I think Apple will open the iPhone up to all CDMA and GSM networks in the US (to increase its footprint) giving many many new options like video recording and video streaming and leaving it to the carrier to figure out how to explain to users - sorry our network cant/wont handle that...
this is total lameness on the part of At&t and should be flagged by someone, because they're limiting their competitors products while promoting theirs.
I went to the APP store and Sling Media sells for the $29.99. There are 2 - 1 star reviews yet the main screen tells me there are no reviews. Let's keep it that way! It said I had to own it to make a review - not worth the $29.99 to just say it's WiFi only don't buy it. Don't give apple any of this revenue. If they can't pressure ATT who needs to pay them? What good is their new iPhone going to be? We can TALK on all the other phones, we can browse and READ on all the other phones - who needs a faster cpu and better screen iPhone at their costs?
wow, wheres all the at&t and iphone fanboys to defend? karmas a bitch aint it?