AT&T announced is now allowing Sling Media’s SlingPlayer Mobile app to
run on its 3G network.
The app enables iPhone users to watch live, streaming television, and DVR
content and movies downloaded in their homes on their smartphone from anywhere
in the world. AT&T previously blocked the app, fearing it would clog
up its already struggling network.
Working together, however, the companies settled on an “optimized” version
of the app that AT&T is more comfortable with.
"Just as we've worked with Sling Media in this instance, we look
forward to collaborating with other developers so that mobile customers can
access a wider, more bandwidth-sensitive, and powerful range of applications in
the future," Ralph de la Vega, AT&T president and CEO,
said in a Feb. 4 statement.
"Collaboration with developers like Sling Media ensures that all apps
are optimized for our 3G network to conserve wireless spectrum and reduce the
risk that an app will cause such extreme levels of congestion that they disrupt
the experience of other wireless customers," de la Vega continued.
The decision was likely also informed by pressure from the Federal Communications
Commission, which has made clear that relationships between carriers and
manufacturers shouldn’t work against the interests and options of consumers.
When on Oct. 6 AT&T announced that it had reversed its policy and would
allow VOIP (voice over IP) calls over its network, FCC
Chairman Julius Genachowski praised the decision.
“I commend AT&T’s decision to open its network to VOIP. Opening wireless
services to greater consumer choice will drive investment and innovation in the
mobile marketplace,” said Genachowski.
Given AT&T’s change of heart, followed by Apple’s updates to its
software development kit (SDK), Skype
announced on Feb. 3 that it’s working on an app that will enable iPhone users
to place VOIP calls over 3G networks with “CD-quality sound.”
Apparently hounded by fans for a timeline, Skype wrote on its site, “The
simple answer is soon.”
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