SlingPlayer For iPhone Taxing AT&T's NetworkSlingPlayer For iPhone Taxing AT&T's Network

Sling Media's long-awaited SlingPlayer Mobile for the iPhone finally came out this week, but some customers are complaining that it can only use Wi-Fi connections.

The application enables customers with a Slingbox to watch and control their televisions, including cable boxes and digital video recorders, through the iPhone. The lack of 3G support is somewhat of a disappointment for those envisioning watching TV while riding a bus or when you're not near a Wi-Fi hotspot. The app is available now for $29.99 in the App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

AT&T said the app would violate its recently changed terms of service if it enabled television streaming over its mobile data networks. Apps like TV.com's are allowed to stream video over the 3G network because they are streaming from a Web site, AT&T said.

"Slingbox, which would use large amounts of wireless network capacity, could create congestion and potentially prevent other customers from using the network," an AT&T representative said in e-mail to reporters. "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."

The mobile operator said iPhone users could take advantage of the free Wi-Fi it offers at more than 20,000 retail locations, including Starbucks, McDonald's, Barnes & Noble, hotels, and airports. Mobile data limits are likely to become a larger issue because carriers need to balance the health and quality of their data networks with the increased demand from smartphone users wanting to browse the Web and use Internet-connected apps.

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