AT&T has quietly updated its cellphone fine printed terms of service to again potentially ban devices like the Slingbox on its 3G network. Having initially pulled earlier changes in what they claimed was "an error," after customer outcry. AT&T has yet again modified the terms to specifically prevent "redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers." It's not evident whether the phrasing refers to any PC-like device, which could include smartphones, or if it only involves using 3G for the outgoing connection.
While most common uses for Intranet browsing, email and intranet access are permitted by your data plan, there are certain uses that cause extreme network capacity issues and interference with the network and are therefore prohibited. Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation . . .downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices....Slingbox users has been waiting over a month for SlingPlayer for iPhone app to be approved without a response from Apple, which is partnered exclusively with AT&T in the US. Other phones like the BlackBerry Bold also on AT&T, already has use of SlingPlayer on 3G. So what gives? AT&T hasn't commented on the change as of yet. Is it time to organize with pitch-folks in hand and march on Apple and AT&T yet?