Sling eases channel upgrades, connection speeds

Talking to the cable or phone company isn't anyone's idea of a good time. A new partnership between Sling Media and GetConnected Inc. (GCi) will help Slingbox users bypass both while upgrading cable or satellite services and connection speeds.

GCi is a behind-the-scenes service whose business is managing transactions between service providers--like Verizon, Comcast, AT&T--and other companies' end users. Dell customers can, for instance, use GCi, probably unbeknownst to them, to set up broadband services on a new PC.

Customers can use the SlingPlayer interface, and GCi's software will be able to tell in real time the upgraded services and prices available to each individual home, based on address, credit score and existing services. While this is beneficial to Sling--another source of revenue--the new feature should be pretty handy for its customers who find that, after buying their trapezoid-shaped set-top, a decent upload speed is necessary to properly enjoy Slinging. The GCi feature will be available to new and existing Sling customers starting in May or June, according to Sling.