Just minutes after posting about the cooperation between AT&T and Skype, I learned of another interesting break through. Marketwatch reported that AT&T has open the door for SlingPlayer Mobile to run over 3G. This app allows you to watch and control your home TV and DVR. This app sure would be useful on the iPad!

"Just as we've worked with Sling Media in this instance, we look forward to collaborating with other developers so that mobile customers can access a wider, more bandwidth-sensitive, and powerful range of applications in the future," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Collaboration with developers like Sling Media ensures that all apps are optimized for our 3G network to conserve wireless spectrum and reduce the risk that an app will cause such extreme levels of congestion that they disrupt the experience of other wireless customers. Our focus continues to be on delivering the nation's most advanced mobile broadband experience and giving our customers the widest possible array of mobile applications."

"We're delighted with AT&T's decision to approve the SlingPlayer Mobile app on their 3G network," said John Gilmore, senior vice president and general manager at Sling Media. "SlingPlayer Mobile on AT&T's 3G network gives customers the best experience possible for watching their home TV while on the go."

{Source: MarketWatch.com}

I think AT&T is feeling the heat of the Verizon issue and is doing EVERYTHING in their power to make sure that Apple (and thusly, the iPhone and iPad) stay AT&T Exclusive

This could be an awesome combination...especially if you're traveling outside of the country or travel a lot

Update via engadget:

"AT&T certainly made a few of us happy yesterday when it announced that the iPhone SlingPlayer appwould now be allowed to run over its 3G network, but the carrier apparently embellished the facts a little when it said Sling had optimized the app to be "more bandwidth sensitive" -- Sling's John Santoro told Ars Technica that it "didn't change anything," and that "AT&T never discussed specific requirements with us." So much for that happy narrative -- we thought AT&T's line sounded odd, given that SlingPlayer has always run just fine on AT&T Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and S60 devices. It's cool, though, Sling isn't sweating it: "Whatever the reason, we're just glad AT&T has approved it." Now it's just up to Apple to let it through the App Store -- any day now, guys."