RIM’s PlayBook tablet is out today, which means that BlackBerry fans everywhere are busy getting their first hands-on experiences with the new QNX OS and seeing if the device can measure up to RIM’s promises. When those proud new PlayBook owners try to get their tablets online, some are going to be in for a bit of confusion, as the BlackBerry Bridge app for RIM’s smartphones isn’t available in the App World for AT&T users.

Since part of the stated design of the PlayBook is that it will tether to your existing BlackBerry smartphone to share its internet connection, the absence of the Bridge app seems quite strange. In fact, AT&T seems to be the only carrier keeping its users from getting at the app. There are already workarounds to manually download and install BlackBerry Bridge, but it sure is an added hassle for AT&T subscribers.

AT&T claims that it “just received the app for testing and before it’s made available to AT&T customers we want to ensure it delivers a quality experience for our customers.” While we can’t fault the company for wanting to guarantee a smooth ride, it’s something that PlayBook owners could have stood to know about prior to launch day. The company hasn’t commented yet as to when it expects the app to be available in the App World for all.

Source: CrackBerry, Phone Scoop