(Brief) History of Google Fi?
Google Fi has undoubtedly been gaining popularity in recent years, so is this a good time to switch to Google Fi? Google Fi was launched as the company’s project to enter the mobile wireless industry. In fact, Google Fi was originally called “Project Fi” when first launched. On April 22, 2015, the service was exclusively available, by invitation only, to Nexus 6 owners. it maintained such exclusivity until October 4, 2016, when additional device support was introduced to the service, such as Google’s own Pixel and Pixel XL phones. On November 28, 2018, Google dropped the “Project” and rebranded the mobile service to “Google Fi” and more device support was added, including some partially supported iPhones.
What is Fi?
As stated above, Google Fi was launched as one of Google’s many projects, which aimed at improving mobile wireless connectivity by integrating seamless multi-carrier switches. The original carrier party included T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. This was a huge move as every carrier has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as coverages, speed, and affordability. By combining the third and fourth largest carriers’ networks together with U.S. Cellular, Google Fi partially solved the problem of the U.S. wireless industry for weirdly lacking the support for duo-sim. With T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint, Google Fi devices can switch between the New T-Mobile network and U.S. Cellular.
Best features of Google Fi 2022
- Network Switching—–When compared to the traditional wireless carriers and MVNOs, Google Fi uses networks from T-Mobile, Sprint(now part of T-Mobile), and U.S. Cellular as well as secure Wi-Fi connections to ensure stronger connectivity. (Though only certain devices that are designed for Fi can switch between networks, being able to automatically switch to a stronger connection will come in handy.) Google Fi has just recently added the W+ network which will improve mobile connectivity at places such as airports, malls, and stadiums where cell signal has traditionally been low.
- International Roaming—– Most people who join Google Fi are for this feature. Google Fi provides high-speed data to its users while traveling internationally, compared to T-Mobile’s own offering of 128kbps, which is just unacceptable. Few things to keep in mind though, only the Unlimited Plus plan will allow you to use mobile data overseas and make sure the countries that you are traveling to are included in the coverage list.
- International Calling Features—–On top of data roaming when abroad, Google Fi Unlimited Plus offers free international calling to 50 countries while the Simply Unlimited plan offers free calls to Canada and Mexico which makes connecting with friends much easier.
- Right Plan As Needed
- Flexible: $20 will give you unlimited talk and text with $10/GB data, group plan with 4+ members will reduce the price to $17 per person. Any unused data will get refunded at the end, hence Flexible. Users can also opt for Bill Protection which caps how much data one can use because, let’s be honest, that $10/GB is quite expensive nowadays.
- Simply Unlimited: $50 will give you unlimited talk, text, and data of which 35GB are at full speed. Group plan with 4+ members can also reduce the price to $40 per line.
- Unlimited Plus: This plan is designed for people who travel internationally and require data roaming while abroad. On top of the roaming features, Unlimited Plus offers 50GB of data at full speed.
- Privacy and Security—–All Fi plans come with a built-in VPN service that allows users to connect to the web more privately and securely. All plans also come with spam call blocking so we don’t have to pick up fake “UPS robocalls” 5 times a day.
- WiFi-Calling—–Fi has just recently added the WiFi-Calling feature to supported iPhone devices. This is a critical feature for those who live in a spotty area where the cellular network isn’t particularly strong.
- Family Feature for Parents—–Family parents can set data usage limits on the child’s line. Parents also can see where the child’s location if location sharing is turned on. A “whitelist” of contacts can be set up if parents only want the child to be contacted by the designated people.
- Google One—–Unlimited Plus plan comes with 100GB Google One cloud storage, with no additional cost. Subscribers will enjoy the original quality photo and video backups. (Google only offers 15GB of free cloud storage)
Google Fi vs other carriers(T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon)
Advantages:
- Network switching allows for a better connection if you have devices designed for Fi network;
- Ultra-low price especially for the Simply Unlimited Group Plan;
- Relatively cheaper than “Big Three” carriers when it comes to international roaming;
- The included international roaming data is faster than the “Big Three” are offering.
Disadvantages:
- Google Fi Device promotions are not as aggressive as traditional “Big Three” carriers;
- No physical stores hence limited customer support;
- No “mix and match” within a group plan as all members are forced to have the same plan;
- Limited “designed for Fi” devices available.
