One of the coolest applications built for the Apple iPhone, Sling TV, that allowed the users to take charge of their television through their mobile devices has now been given permission by AT&T to run over the network’s 3G services. This remote technology was the brainchild of SlingMedia, a subsidiary of EchoStar and the service was restricted by AT&T from using the 3G services, as it consumed immense bandwidth and created a lot of burden on AT&T’s network. To counter this problem, AT&T has announced that, SlingTV could only operate on iPhone, provided the device had access to a wifi network.

However, AT&T now has announced that it has revoked the restrictions put on SlingTV and that the application can be run via the 3G services provided by AT&T. This change in the wireless carrier’s policy came as a result of numerous complaints lodged by consumer groups and Sling Media to the Federal Communications Commission, accusing AT&T of running discriminatory policies, as other video intensive applications, such as the Major League Baseball etc. were given permission to operate over the 3G network.

According to AT&T,

“Since mid-December 2009, AT&T has been testing the app and has recently notified Sling Media — as well as Apple — that the optimized app can run on its 3G network.”

To ensure smooth 3G services, inspite of SlingTV, AT&T has made numerous changes to its network that will now allow the wireless carrier to adjust the bandwidth consumed by SlingTV, on factors such as network conditions and picture quality. Furthermore, Sling has also upgraded the SlingPlayer to help reduce the load on AT&T’s network and as the the company is still waiting for Apple Inc. to approve the new improved application, Sling has stated that, the users who had previously bought the application, will receive a free upgrade.

Via New York Times