Google Fi Wireless
Google Fi Wireless (pronounced /faɪ/), formerly Project Fi and Google Fi, is an American MVNO telecommunications service by Google that provides telephone calls, SMS, and mobile broadband using cellular networks and Wi-Fi.
Google Fi uses the T-Mobile network. Google Fi is a service for US residents only, as of late 2023.
| Google Fi Wireless | |
|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} | |
| Type | Mobile data and voice service |
| Location |
|
| Protocols | GSM / UMTS / LTE / NR |
| Use | Wireless smartphone service |
| Owner | |
| Operator | T-Mobile |
| Established | April 22, 2015 |
| Current status | Operational |
| Commercial? | Yes |
| Website | fi.google.com |
The service was launched for the Nexus 6, by invitation only, on April 22, 2015. The service was opened to the public on March 7, 2016, and made it work with additional device models, including the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, was introduced on October 4, 2016. On November 28, 2018, Google rebranded Project Fi as Google Fi and made it work with more device models, including partially with iPhones. In 2023, it was once again renamed Google Fi Wireless.
History
Google Fi was announced exclusively for the Nexus 6 smartphone on April 22, 2015, on the Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Because of high demand at launch, the service required that users receive invitations, which were gradually released throughout summer 2015. The invitation system was dropped on March 7, 2016. U.S. Cellular was added on June 8, 2016. Three was added on July 12, 2016. In October 2016, Google added the ability to use Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, and later introduced a Group Plan, letting subscribers add extra members to their plans.
On January 17, 2018, Google Fi announced bill protection which caps the charge for data at $60. If the data used is greater than 15 GB, then Fi may slow the data speed to 256 kbit/s. The user can avoid the slowdown by paying full price for the data used at $10 per GB. Bill protection also works with group plans, with a maximum charge of $85 for two people, $120 for three people, and $140 for four people. The rate for unlimited calls and texting is not affected by bill protection.[citation needed] Google Fi later dropped US Cellular, leaving T-Mobile as the only network usable with it in the US.
In February 2023, U.S. Cellular discontinued its partnership with Google Fi in a statement saying "We will no longer be an official network partner of Google Fi," US Cellular senior manager of media relations Katie Frey told CNET over email. "We value our relationship with Google, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in other ways."
Features
Prior to their merger, Google Fi Wireless automatically switched between the Sprint and T-Mobile networks depending on signal strength and speed. It can automatically connect to open Wi-Fi hotspots while securing data with encryption through an automatic VPN. Phone calls will seamlessly transition to a cellular network if Wi-Fi coverage is lost.
Google Fi Wireless users could originally use the now defunct Google Hangouts on any phone, tablet, or computer to call and text. Google Fi Wireless also implements VoLTE as part of a staged rollout.
In addition to using a phone's physical SIM card, Google Fi now offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option whereby the customer uses their current compatible phone (Google Pixel, Android or iPhone) using a eSIM (Embedded Sim) virtual card to establish Google Fi as a standalone service or in conjunction with another provider i.e. AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Mint etc... When a phone uses the DualSim the phone owner can make and receive telephone calls from either Google Fi or the other mobile provider simultaneously, but only one of the data service can be used at a time.
In October 2021, Google Fi Wireless announced that it would allow end-to-end encrypted calls.
Plans
Monthly plans start at $20 per month and are flat fee–based, paid at the beginning of each monthly billing cycle. All plans include unlimited calls and messaging. Money for unused data is credited back to the user's account, while overuse of data results in a charge of $10 per gigabyte. When outside the United States, cellular phone calls cost $0.20 per minute, data costs the same $10 per gigabyte (i.e. there are no extra data charges outside of the US), and texting is free. Data is free at full speeds between 6 GB and 15 GB for the duration of the billing cycle with Bill Protection. After 15 GB, data continues to be free but will be throttled to unspecified speeds. A data-only SIM card can be used on tablets and other compatible devices, including the 2013 Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and iPad Air 2. The devices must be compatible with the T-Mobile network, and users can add up to 4 data-only SIM cards in one account (before July 2019 the limit was 9 data-only SIM cards in one account).
A Group Plan, which allows users, referred to as "managers", to add other people, referred to as "members", to their subscription, costs an additional $15 per user. Group Plans let managers view data usage by member, set data notifications, add monthly allowances, and pause members' data usage. In June 2017, Group Plans were updated to feature "Group Repay", in which Google Fi Wireless automatically calculates each of the members' individual shares of the bill and allows for easy payments. Such payments can be a fixed amount, an individual's total usage, or only for data usage above the standard data allotment.
Google Fi Wireless offers an 'Unlimited' Plan for its users for a flat rate of $70 per month with up to 50 GB of high speed data. After 50 GB, speeds are throttled to 256 kbit/s. On both plans, users can pay an additional $10 per 1 GB until their next billing cycle. Fi's 'Unlimited' plan also includes 100 GB of Google One storage at no additional cost. It is important to note that Google Fi Wireless does not honor promotions for current Google Fi Wireless customers. This is not explained on promotional offers and many customers have noted that Google Fi Wireless has a history of assuring customers that promotional offers are valid, and the day after it expires, will email customers to let them know that they aren't eligible.
Reception
Nicole Lee of Engadget praised the service's plans, writing that "In the course of six months, I've barely touched my monthly 2 GB data allotment and frequently receive money back each month from unused data. I found myself paying a little more than $20 a month for Fi, which is the least I've paid for a cell phone service, ever." Lee liked the service's transition between Wi-Fi and cellular data. JR Raphael of Computerworld also praised the pricing strategy and network transitions. Raphael also wrote that "Fi's customer support is [...] actually a pretty good experience", elaborating that "if you need extra help, both interfaces offer the ability to get 24/7 support from a real person via phone or email."
See also
References
External links
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