Google Fi: The Future is Calling
Google has not only emerged as the world’s most popular search engine but it has also become a powerhouse in technology. Its parent company Alphabet Inc. has established itself as a true conglomerate in the world of tech. Through its various companies and subsidiaries, the firm has changed the face of modern innovations across an array of platforms.
From artificial intelligence to mobile operating systems, and from cloud storage to mobile hardware, Alphabet and Google have revolutionized technology. For the most part, it has also been for the better.
One such innovation comes in the form of Google Fi.
Considered as a modern solution to conventional cellphone carrier services, Google Fi uses the power of cellular services and Wi-Fi hotspots to the advantage of its users.
So what exactly is Google Fi and why does it matter to an everyday consumer? Let’s find out.
What is Google Fi?
Initially known as Project Fi, Google Fi is a mobile carrier service that comes directly from the search engine giant itself.
The service is available for unlocked phones — which are mobile devices that work irrespective of a specific carrier — and comes in the form of a SIM card.
At the front interface, Google Fi is like any other mobile carrier or service provider. It gives you a simplified way to sign-up with the service. All that you need to do is to pop the Google Fi SIM card into your phone. Then, make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and use mobile data as much as you want.
Google Fi comes with the added advantage of being able to use the following features.
· A vast service infrastructure.
· Access to several Wi-Fi hotspots (although WiFi rates may vary).
· Cost-effective calling and texting features.
· Special data pricing.
· Roam everywhere for the same price
How Does Google Fi Work?
Behind the scenes, Google Fi utilizes coverage and service areas and infrastructure from not one, not two, but three mobile networks. This means that Google Fi is not a traditional mobile carrier, but a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
In other words, it provides its services by relying on the physical and network infrastructure of other cellphone carriers.
T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular are partners in the Google Fi project. This allows users to access high quality voice and text services, since the “best” network is automatically selected by your phone depending upon your service area.
But the catch in this facility across three mobile carriers is that you will need a phone that is “designed” for Google Fi.
If you have a phone that is not designed for Google Fi, then that means that your service may not be optimal. One may still utilize their device without the three carrier advantage, where one will be using the service and coverage area of T-Mobile.
Regardless of whether you are using a phone that is designed for Google Fi or not, access the vast network of Wi-Fi hotspots. This network of Wi-Fi hotspots comes with a distinct advantage of costing the same price during international roaming as it does during your local usage.
Which Devices are Compatible With Google Fi’s Full Range of Services?
At the time of this writing, the following devices are the only ones that are able to make use of Google Fi’s multiple carrier coverage option.
· Google Pixel
· Moto G7
· Moto G6
· Moto X4 — Android One
· LG G7 ThinQ
· LG V35 ThinQ
If you have one of these phones, then you can easily make use of the full range of Google Fi’s multiple mobile carrier coverage.
As noted above, if you have another cellphone model that is free of any carrier restrictions, then you can still use a Google Fi SIM card and partially tap into the Google Fi Project. You just wouldn’t be able to utilize the multi-career coverage feature.
Details on the Biggest Advantages of Google Fi
We have briefly mentioned some of the most distinct advantages of Google Fi above. Here are the advantages in an in-depth manner.
Expansive Coverage Area and Services
This is largely dependent on the mobile device that you are using with Google Fi. By having access to the network infrastructure of T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular all in one device, you minimize your chances of running into bad reception. Your phone would automatically select the best network for your coverage area, so you get the best service possible.
Access to Wi-Fi Hotspots
With Google Fi, you get access to several Wi-Fi hotspots. This makes sure that you are able to access high-speed internet without having to ask a public establishment for their Wi-Fi password. Automatic set up of a VPN secures data when you’re on the go.
Unlimited Calls and Texts
One of the best features about Google Fi is the pricing package for calls and texts. In just $20 a month, you can tap into unlimited calls and texts throughout the U.S.
International texts and access to roaming in more than 200 countries is also included.
Family Plans
Add up to 5 more people to your existing Google Fi plan. The cost is $15 per person, per month, including the unlimited calls and text features. This provides you with consolidated billing, and saves you the inconvenience of various bills for different providers and plans.
Special Data Pricing
The data costs for Google Fi are straightforward. In $10, you get 1 GB of data. You can use as many GBs of data as you want up to a ceiling, you are charged $10/GB.
But if you break past that ceiling, then you are only charged the maximum price at once, regardless of how much data you use.
To simplify:
The data ceiling for a one user plan on Google Fi is 6 GB. This means that when you have used your 6 GB data limit and were charged $60 for it, you are not to incur any additional data charges on excess data– regardless of how much data you use.
This ceiling limit differs for multi-people plans.
· If you have two people on your plan, then your data ceiling is increased from 6 GB to 10 GB.
· For three people, 12 GB.
· For four people, 14 GB.
· For five people, 16 GB.
· For six people, 18 GB.
Once you hit the data ceiling, you are only charged the maximum data ceiling amount.
The data ceiling benefit, dubbed as “Bill Protection” by Google Fi, applies even when roaming internationally.
This is one of the most cost-effective price points across all cellphone carriers, and sets Google Fi apart from its competitors.
But there’s a catch to this. If your use increases by 15 GB in a billing cycle, then the additional data is delivered with slower speeds with Bill Protection. If you want to keep receiving the same fast speed that Google Fi is known for, then prepare to pay a bit more. Pay $10 per GB over the additional data you use over your 15 GB ceiling.
Is Google Fi Worth It?
Since Google Fi is highly affordable with its call and text service and comes with the promise of exceptional service coverage, it is a great choice of an alternate cellphone carrier than the big names at the moment.
The most compelling feature of Google Fi’s value proposition would be its Bill Protection. Data ceiling of 6 GB makes sure that you never pay more than $60 as a single user on your data. But the potential experience of internet speed after 15 GB may be a concern for some. Another concern may be the fact that it the data package may be less liberal than what your typical plan provider might give.
While Google mentions that less than 1 percent of its customers have used more than 15 GB of data in a given month, the offering seems like a very obvious flaw in what would be an otherwise great service.
With that being said, Google Fi is affordable (if you’re careful with your data usage), accessible, and great overall. If you are looking for carriers that are great at calls, texts and data — and if your data usage won’t go past 15 GB in a single month for your mobile device, then opt for Google Fi.
