Google Fi

Google Fi (pronounced /faɪ/), formerly Project Fi, is a MVNO telecommunications service by Google that provides telephone calls, SMS, and mobile broadband using cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Google Fi uses networks operated by T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular. Google Fi is a service for US residents only, as of late 2019.[1]

Google Fi
TypeMobile data and voice service
Location
  • United States
  • Roaming in 200+ international destinations
ProtocolsGSM / CDMA / HSPA+ / LTE
UseWireless smartphone service
OwnerGoogle
OperatorT-Mobile, U.S. Cellular
EstablishedApril 22, 2015 (2015-04-22)
Current statusOperational
Commercial?Yes
Websitefi.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,[2] and support for additional devices, including the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, was introduced on October 4, 2016.[3] On November 28, 2018, Google rebranded Project Fi as Google Fi and added support for more phones, including iPhones.[4]

Google Fi automatically switches between networks depending on signal strength and speed. It can automatically connect to Wi-Fi hotspots with encryption through an automatic VPN. Phone calls transition between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. With all networks combined, the service covers more than 170 countries around the world.

A subscription costs $20 per month for unlimited calls and messaging, plus a customizable data allowance costing an additional $10 per gigabyte of 15GB of high speed data. After 15GB speed are throttled to 256kbps. Money for unused data is credited back to the user's account, and overuse of data costs an additional $10 per gigabyte.

Google Fi currently offers a plan for current clients to share their own personal coupon code. Each referral code is worth $20 to the current client, and $20 for each new client signing up. A group plan costs an additional $15 per user per month, and offers features including data overview, data notifications, monthly allowances, and the ability to pause users' data usage. A data-only SIM card can be used on supported tablets, smartphones, and car modems (e.g., Volvo). A data-only sim will have access to data, but will not be able to make calls or transmit texts across cellular networks

Google Fi offers an 'Unlimited' Plan for its users for a flat rate of $70 per month with up to 22GB of high speed data. After 22GB, speeds are throttled to 256kbps. On both plans, users can pay an additional $10 per 1GB until their next billing cycle.[5] Fi's 'Unlimited' plan also includes 100 GB of Google One storage at no additional cost.

History

Google Fi was announced exclusively for the Nexus 6 smartphone on April 22, 2015, with support for Sprint and T-Mobile.[6][7][8][9] Due to high demand at launch, the service required that users receive invitations, which were gradually released throughout summer 2015.[10][11] The invitation system was dropped on March 7, 2016.[12][13][14] U.S. Cellular was added on June 8, 2016.[15][16][17] Three was added on July 12, 2016.[18][19][20] In October 2016, Google added support for the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones,[21][22] and later introduced a Group Plan, letting subscribers add extra members to their plans.[23][24][25]

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 kbps. 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.

Features

Google Fi automatically switches between networks depending on signal strength and speed.[26] It can automatically connect to open Wi-Fi hotspots while securing data with encryption through an automatic VPN.[27] Phone calls will seamlessly transition to a cellular network if Wi-Fi coverage is lost.[28][29][30][31]

Google Fi users can use Google Hangouts on any phone, tablet, or computer to call and text.[32] Google Fi also supports VoLTE as part of a staged rollout.[33] With all of its networks combined, Google Fi's service covers more than 200 countries and territories around the world.[34]

Plans

Monthly plans are flat fee–based, paid at the beginning of each monthly billing cycle. It starts at $20 per month for 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.[35] 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.[36] Data is free at full speeds between 6GB to 15GB for the duration of the billing cycle with Bill Protection. After 15GB, data continues to be free but will be throttled to unspecified speeds. [37] 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).[38][39][40]

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 Project Fi 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.[41][42][43]

Devices
  • Other Devices may work with data-only SIMs if they are unlocked and work with the T-Mobile GSM network. Google Fi may not be able to help activate or troubleshoot unlisted devices.[44]

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.[45]

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."[46]

See also

References
  1. "Is Fi available to Canadian Consumers yet? If not is it possible to "roam" in Canada permanently? - Google Fi Help". support.google.com. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  2. "5 Things To Know About Google's Project Fi". Popular Science. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  3. Welch, Chris (October 4, 2016). "Google's Pixel phones will be available through Project Fi". The Verge. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  4. "Project Fi officially rebranded as 'Google Fi', now supports most Android phones and iPhones". Android Central. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  5. "Use Google Fi with tablets & other compatible devices - Google Fi Help". support.google.com. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  6. Fox, Nick (April 22, 2015). "Say hi to Fi: A new way to say hello". Official Google Blog. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  7. Welch, Chris (April 22, 2015). "Google launches its own mobile network for Nexus 6 owners". The Verge. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  8. Huet, Ellen (April 22, 2015). "Google Unveils Its 'Project Fi' Wireless Service". Forbes. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  9. Velazco, Chris (April 22, 2015). "Google's Project Fi service turns multiple phone networks into one". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  10. Byford, Sam (May 22, 2015). "Google's Project Fi invites won't roll out to everyone til mid-summer". The Verge. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  11. Perez, Sarah (May 22, 2015). "Google's Project Fi Invites To Reach Everyone By Mid-Summer". TechCrunch. AOL. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  12. Arscott, Simon (March 7, 2016). "From "Hi" to Fi to "Goodbye" to invites: 7 things we've learned about Project Fi". The Keyword Google Blog. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  13. Fingas, Jon (March 7, 2016). "Google's Project Fi no longer requires an invitation to join". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  14. Lardinois, Frederic (March 7, 2016). "You can now sign up for Google's Project Fi cell service without an invite". TechCrunch. AOL. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  15. Jacobs, Evan (June 8, 2016). "More speed and coverage with U.S. Cellular — now part of Project Fi". The Keyword Google Blog. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  16. O'Kane, Sean (June 8, 2016). "Google adds US Cellular to Project Fi". The Verge. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  17. Amadeo, Ron (June 8, 2016). "Google's Project Fi cell service adds US Cellular to the mix". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  18. Kugler, Tyler (July 12, 2016). "Stay connected abroad with high speed data from Project Fi". The Keyword Google Blog. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  19. Miller, Paul (July 12, 2016). "Google adds Three network to Project Fi's family to improve international speeds". The Verge. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  20. Amadeo, Ron (July 12, 2016). "Google's Project Fi gets international LTE, adds Three to carrier lineup". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  21. Reardon, Marguerite (October 4, 2016). "Google adds Pixel phones to Project Fi lineup". CNET. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  22. Welch, Chris (October 4, 2016). "Google's Pixel phones will be available through Project Fi". The Verge. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  23. Jung, Marcia (October 11, 2016). "Introducing Project Fi's group plan". The Keyword Google Blog. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  24. Ingraham, Nathan (October 11, 2016). "Google's Project Fi now has family plans". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  25. Statt, Nick (October 11, 2016). "Google introduces group plans for its Project Fi mobile network". The Verge. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  26. Metz, Cade (May 1, 2016). "In the New Wireless Universe, You're Finally at the Center". Wired. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  27. Lawler, Richard (August 24, 2016). "Google links Google Fi-approved WiFi hotspots to Nexus phones". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  28. Metz, Cade (July 12, 2016). "Google Fi Is One Step Closer to Unifying the World's Wireless Networks". Wired. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  29. Fung, Brian (July 8, 2015). "Project Fi review: The most remarkable feature of Google's new cell service". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  30. Martonik, Andrew (November 22, 2016). "What is Project Fi, how does it work and why do I want it?". Android Central. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  31. El Akkad, Omar (November 23, 2015). "Why I ditched my cellphone carrier to try Google's Project Fi". The Globe and Mail. The Woodbridge Company. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  32. "Use Hangouts with Project Fi". Project Fi Help. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  33. "Project Fi currently testing VoLTE calling for 'subset' of subscribers". 9to5Google. February 18, 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  34. "Rates for International calls, SMS, and roaming". Google. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  35. "Phone plans & prices". Project Fi. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  36. "Use your phone outside the U.S." Project Fi Help. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  37. "Google Fi - Plan benefits & details". Meet Google Fi, a different kind of phone plan. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  38. "Use Project Fi with tablets & other compatible devices". Project Fi Help. Google. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  39. Reardon, Marguerite (December 15, 2015). "Google's experimental wireless service will work with tablets too". CNET. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  40. Wang, Jules (July 25, 2019). "Google Fi is cracking down on data SIM hoarders limiting each account to 4". Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  41. Deahl, Dani (June 20, 2017). "Project Fi now automatically calculates and bills each member of a group plan". The Verge. Vox media. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  42. Lardinois, Frederic (June 20, 2017). "Google makes splitting the cost of Project Fi group plans easier". TechCrunch. AOL. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  43. Protalinski, Emil (June 20, 2017). "Google's Project Fi now lets you split the bill". VentureBeat. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  44. "Use Google Fi with tablets & other compatible devices - Google Fi Help". support.google.com. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  45. Lee, Nicole (April 12, 2015). "After six months with Google's Project Fi, I'd switch to it if I could". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  46. Raphael, JR (April 14, 2016). "Project Fi revisited: 6 months with Google's weird wireless service". Computerworld. International Data Group. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
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