SlingPlayer app for the iPhone finally gets streaming over 3G

The floodgates have opened even more today after the announcement that the SlingPlayer app for the iPhone will start allowing streaming over 3G. There was plenty of caution when apps like this started making their rounds on the smartphone – like how well can AT&T’s network handle the influx of data consumption. Even other constant streaming services like VoIP were considered too risky to allow use over the 3G network. That all seemingly disappeared so suddenly in the last week as AT&T came down with a change of heart this morning as they announced allowing the app to stream over their 3G network – AT&T has been testing out an optimized version of the app since mid-December 2009. Sling and other various consumer groups had complained to the FCC that AT&T’s policy was discriminatory – citing that other applications like Major League Baseball’s allowed live video stream over AT&T’s 3G network. In the press release, AT&T has stated that they’ve been working with Sling to ensure the app is optimized to minimize congestion. The upgraded SlingPlayer app may not be available just yet and is currently waiting on Apple for its approval, but anyone who purchased the $30 app already will get a free upgrade when it is made available. So in the long run, Slingbox owners can now take joy in being able to watch their favorite television shows just about anywhere; as opposed to staying nearby a Wi-Fi hotspot.

source: NY Times