AT&T Releases Statement on Lack of 3G Streaming for Upcoming SlingPlayer Mobile

[joemama]

Hit them where it hurts. Many of you are commenting that you were waiting for the slingbox app, and are now pissed off. Why not write an ATT vice-pres. and let them know how disappointed you are and will sign with a competitor?

If enough people do it, maybe they will reconsider. Companies change policies for TWO reasons: To either make more money, or avoid negative press.

 

[joemama]

Another thought....

It will only be a latter of time before someone files a discrimination lawsuit against ATT.

If they will let customers sling to other devices, then they have to for the iPhone.

 

[InkMaster]

AT&T is just one of around 100 carriers which sell iPhone. Why are they getting to dictate what users of other networks can and cannot do?

Because they're the one of one networks in US?

 

[bondsbw]

We consider smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs.

Doesn't this statement boldly disagree with AT&T's stance on how PCs/laptops are very different from phones, and their use on EDGE and 3G networks requires an additional tethering charge?

 

[erikistired]

i wonder if this has less to do with network bandwidth and more to do with pressure from networks (content providers). they make ad revenue off their online streaming and sites like hulu, i'm sure, so it would make sense they don't to lose money this way. it might be that they finally found a way they could block it, as opposed to other platforms where there isn't as much control (app store and all).

of course, they are still allowing it's use over wifi, so who knows.

 

[kwyn]

I don't even have a slingbox but this crap is pissing me off!!! Who the F does ATT think they are???

Sorry to all the people looking forward to having this app on my favrite device in ages!!!

Oh, sorry for this pointless post to!!! Just needed vent and say ATT sux

 

[winnex]

Att Is Stupid - Plain And Simply

ATT's statement is the most perfect example of how to alienate customers. It is ridiculous and offensive. In a word, ATT sucks. No wonder its horrible reputation. I feel bad that Apple is relying on such a stupid company to be partners with. Hopefully not for very long... ATT: how do you feel knowing that all the people who signed with you will just go away the very moment we all have another option?

 

[twoodcc]

if it's available on other mobile devices, then this really isn't fair

 

[Khabbi]

The AT&T Empire

AT&T sucks! I can't believe that I had a slingplayer on my Treo 700 over 2 years ago on the SPRINT network (EVDO). I loved the slingplayer for that, as I have my security cameras hooked up to to a sling and could monitor my house and my dogs. I have up Sprint and my Treo when the 3G iphone came out, after seeing that Sling was working on a player for the iphone.

Now, years after having it on another network, AT&T doesn't want me to use their network the way every other provider is willing to let me use their network.. and for LESS MONEY.

This is SUCH a load of bull^$&T!! No way I'm paying $30 for crap like this...

 

[liltechdude]

I love how ATT says that this may cause congestion for their network and may prevent other customers from using the network. Of the 200 kids in my Junior class, I can probably bet my life on it that there is no one else in my class who uses a Slingbox or would let alone use the SlingPlayer Mobile app. In the area where I live, I would probably be the only person using the SlingPlayer Mobile app on my local cell tower EVER! Even then, I wouldn't be downloading any faster than I can downloading 10MB songs off the iTunes store. SlingPlayer Mobile has clearly not caused them a problem with the Blackberries and other platforms that already have this capability, or otherwise they would've blocked it from them.

 

[Michael Belisle]

AT&T is just one of around 100 carriers which sell iPhone. Why are they getting to dictate what users of other networks can and cannot do?

Allow The Decemberists to explain, in video form:

Cause America can, and America can't say no
And America does, if America says it's so
It's so!

 

[nicksurra]

ATT's working really hard do convince me not to buy an iPhone or switch from Verizon

I currently have Verizon, but my contract is up in June. Conveniently in time for the new iPhone. I was considering getting one and switching to ATT, but EVERYTHING I am hearing is nothing good about ATT. Does anyone know how to contact anyone important at ATT? I'd love to write a note to tell them that they're currently doing a great job of convincing me not to switch or bother buying an iPhone. Who can I write to at Apple as well?

Someone needs to arrange this youtube protest thing.

 

[Maven1975]

I've seriously had enough of AT&T's crap. Their poor service without updates here in AZ is really pissing everyone off.

Verizon is no magic bullet, but I would welcome that option.

The only thing good about AT&T is the iPhone.

 

[lamina]

I think this whole 'network overload' BS is a huge cop-out by AT&T. Upgrade your damn networks.

 

[Rhalliwell1]

This is Ridicules. Why should AT&T dictate what can and cant happen on iPhone across the world? stupid. Apple sort it out!

 

[nfl46]

AT&T wasn't ready for the iPhone [3G]. They knew it would be very popular & most people getting the second generation iPhone would like to utilize 3G on their iPhone. I wish AT&T admit that their 3G network is weak, instead of releasing this BS statement.

 

[Frisco]

Game over for the iPhone and At&T.

Bottom line is Apple chose the wrong Network.

 

[stainlessliquid]

This would be a problem if most iPhone users wanted to use slingbox but thats not the case. Whats stupid is that there are so few people with a sling box that it wouldnt do a damn thing to total network traffic.

This is a case of them acting before thinking. If they thought this through then they would have realized that nobody has a sling box and that it doesnt matter. Now they just come out looking greedy.

They should have saved this card for the Netflix app that is probably somewhere down the line.

 

[nfl46]

The only thing good about AT&T is the iPhone.

Pretty much.

 

[KT Walrus]

Let's see how many people actually walk into an AT&T store tomorrow and complain.

I am going to inquire about early termination of my plan and inform them I'm doing this due to this bonehead move.

I don't think I'd actually use the SlingPlayer app that much, maybe for a few minutes to check out what is happening in the world on CNN or Fox News or even CNBC. I also might occasionally check out a live sporting event, but most of the time, if the game is worth watching, I'd be at home watching it.

But, it really burns me that AT&T would block those apps that I decide are useful. First, tethering and now TV.

 

[TheBearman]

I've had enough of this BS. Guess this weekend I'll do what is necessary to jailbreak and get this working like it should. I wasn't a big fan of taking that action but tired of AT&T pulling this stuff on the iPhone and no other device.

I do know this, as soon as an option for another carrier for the iPhone becomes available AT&T will lose my business.

 

[Roessnakhan]

Bottom line is Apple chose the wrong Network.

I'm sure they're crying all the way to the bank.

 

[jbarrychristian]

Thank you, AT&T, for making my decision so easy

I was soooo close to deciding that my next phone would be an IPhone, but AT&T (and Apple to an extent) made my decision so much easier. Instead, I will buy a new Windows Mobile phone and use WMWiFiRouter to share the phones connection with my iPod Touch.
It AMAZES me that AT&T can get away with device dependent discrimination. If you have a WnMo device, or a Palm, or Blackberry, etc. you may use apps like SlingPlayer. If you want to use the BEST mobile device then you are LIMITED artificially because off AT&T's monopoly empowered by Apple. If Microsoft did this, the EU, US Commerce dept & FTC along with a LOT of consumers would be burning Bill Gates in effigy.
To further demonstrate how silly, unfair, and ridiculous this, remember that they do not offer unlimited use. It is capped at 5GB/month. So there is already a limiting factor.
Wake up, Apple. Either open up the market or stop colluding with AT&T to deprive your customers!!!!!
You can do it yourself or let nature take it's course with a shrinking market share and/or lawsuits and major complaining/lawsuits, etc. from your customer base.

 

[forfelix]

do you guys think friday would be too soon for an organized youtube protest? im trying to set this thing in motion asap.

 

[japanime]

$ling Media is getting a taste of its own medicine!