It’s been three years since Google launched its Project Fi service which aimed to change the way users can access the mobile network connection. After being in beta for almost three years, Google is finally thinking of taking the service mainstream. Not only the company has re-branded the service as Google Fi, but it has also made it available for more devices including the iPhones. Google Fi is an excellent service on paper and if you are thinking of making a switch to it but are not sure what you are going to get, then this is the article for you. In this article, we are going to take an in-depth look at Google Fi so that you know what you are getting into. So, here is everything that you need to know about Google Fi.
In our quest to understand Google Fi, let’s start with a simple and basic question, “What is Gooogle Fi?”. Well, if we are going by definition, Google Fi is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service provided by Google. In layman’s terms, what this means is that Google Fi uses pre-existing carrier networks to give its users access to mobile and data connectivity. At the time of publishing this article, Google is using three-different carriers including T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. Apart from these carriers, Google is also using open and secure WiFi networks around the world to strengthen its already strong presence.
As mentioned above, Google Fi uses three-different carriers and millions of open and secure WiFi network around the world to give users access to mobile connectivity and internet access. If your phone is designed for Google Fi, it will be able to switch between these network connections to get you the best possible connection in your current area.
Make no mistake, on the surface, Google Fi works like any other carrier service that you are used to, which means, you will have a number which can receive phone calls and text messages. In fact, you can even bring your current personal number with you to Google Fi. On the flipside, if you get a new number with Google Fi, you can switch it to other carriers if you decide to leave the service. Everything else that I mentioned happens in the background so you as a user don’t feel the difference.
There are two kinds of device that support Google Fi. The first is the devices that are designed for Google Fi and can access all the features of the service. The second type is the devices that are not designed for Google Fi but can access some of its services. Basically, the phones that are not designed for Fi will not be able to intelligently switch between the networks automatically. They will also not switch to open WiFi networks automatically. You can still manually do that but only the phones designed for Google Fi supports automatic switching of the networks.
As I mentioned before, Google Fi covers more than 170 countries and territories around the world. That said, currently, you can only register for the service if you live in the United States. If you have a Google Fi connection you can travel to any of the 170 countries such as England, Germany, Australia, India, and more and you will receive a constant connection. That said, international roaming rates will apply. We will talk about rates in the coming sections. You can check Google Fi’s coverage in the United States by clicking here.
One of the biggest benefits of using Google Fi is its straightforward pricing plans. While all the other carriers bombard you with a plethora of different pricing plans, Google has made it very simple. The base plan starts at $20/month which includes unlimited domestic calls and messages along with unlimited international messages. You can also add up to 5 more people to your plan for just $15/person/month.
How to Set Up Your Google Fi Connection
Settings up your Google Fi connection is pretty easy. However, before you start the sign-up process, make sure that you are eligible for the Google Fi program by following the points below:
Once you have fulfilled the above criteria, follow the steps to set up the Google Fi service on your phone:
- Now, follow the steps to verify that your phone supports Google Fi by first selecting the manufacturer and then your phone model.
