Recently, we wrote that AT&T is planning to spend an additional 2 billion dollars in 2010 on improving its wireless network. Now, it’s showing that it wasn’t kidding, at least about its intentions, as it’s finally let SlingPlayer, a mobile app that lets you watch TV on the iPhone, deliver data over its 3G connection.

Until now, SlingPlayer was only available over Wi-Fi, which means it was pretty much unusable in most situations where you actually needed it. Now, owners of Slingbox who purchase SlingPlayer ($29.99 in the App Store) can watch TV shows on their iPhones, provided they’re in 3G range.

Although it has approved SlingPlayer over 3G, AT&T points out that optimization is still a big deal when it comes to mobile apps such as SlingPlayer.

“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,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.

To make sure app developers are following guidelines, AT&T will provide them with wireless network optimization requirements for video and other apps by the end of the first quarter at its Developers Program website.

Tags: iphone, Mobile 2.0, SlingPlayer, tv

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