Update: AT&T reinstates (old) anti-Slingbox language in TOS

Update: Engadget notes that, in fact, these are just the same old terms we've been living under for a while now. So, nothing new to see here. In other news, the sky is falling.

It's baaaack. Nearly a month after updating and then un-updating its terms of service, AT&T again has put in a clause that could make apps like Slingbox a big no-no.

Here's the section we're interested in, emphasis ours:

... 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 and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited. Furthermore, plans (unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/PDA-to computer accessories, Bluetooth® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose.

We're trying to get clarification on the "viewing on Personal Computers" clause. Smartphones certainly could be argued into that category, though the TOS use the word "phone" in a number of other instances. We'll let you know what we find out. In the meantime, you can read the whole TOS for yourself.

DSL Reports via Electronista

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Phil Nickinson

Phil is the father of two beautiful girls and is the Dad behind Modern Dad. Before that he spent seven years at the helm of Android Central. Before that he spent a decade in a newsroom of a two-time Pulitzer Prize-finalist newspaper. Before that — well, we don't talk much about those days. Subscribe to the Modern Dad newsletter!