Google launched its wireless phone service today with an enticing offer: Talk, text and 1 gigabyte of data for $30 a month (additional data is $10/GB). There are no contracts or termination fees, but the service only works with the right now.
Beside the competitive price, Google’s twist is that its mobile network connects users to the best service available from either Sprint, T-Mobile or Wi-Fi. By partnering with the other wireless carriers, Google Fi service moves from one network to another if Sprint, for example, has a better connection. Or if the Wi-Fi connection is stronger, the phone switches to Wi-Fi.
On Google’s , the company said: “As you move around, the best network for you might be a Wi-Fi hotspot or a specific 4G LTE network. We developed new technology that gives you better coverage by intelligently connecting you to the fastest available network at your location whether it’s Wi-Fi or one of our two partner LTE networks (Sprint and T-Mobile).”
That means if you switch to Fi here in Denver, you may connect via Sprint in some areas and T-Mobile in other areas. Technically, Fi is an MVNO (or mobile virtual network operator) of Sprint and T-Mobile. Sprint powers “more than 100” MVNOs although the company won’t say which ones. Regardless, the quality of Fi on Sprint should be the same as Sprint service for Sprint users.
“As for quality service, MVNO end-users can expect the same coverage in the same locations as Sprint end-users. There is no prioritization,” said John Votava, a Sprint spokesman.
While the service officially launched today, consumers can’t immediately sign up for it. You need to be invited. To get one of those invites, you can sign up with Google here:
The Google Fi Plan Details:
- $20 — pays for talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering and international coverage in 120+ countries
- $10 — 1 GB of data, with additional data at $10/GB. Unused data is credited back to your account.
- You need a Nexus 6 phone, which costs $649 to $699. You can also pay monthly for the phone, starting at $27.04 for 2 years. If you already have one, yes, you can use it.
- No monthly contract and no termination fees. But if you owe money on the phone, you still have to pay for that.
More answers to Google Fi in its FAQ:
