Project Fi - Google's take on mobile phone service

by
in mobile on (#7M46)
Today, Google unveiled it's long anticipated mobile phone service, called Project Fi. However, Google is not building their own network, but relying on the existing Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Because the service can intelligently switch from one LTE network to the other, depending on signal strength, access is initially limited to Nexus 6 owners. Project Fi phones will need a cellular radio that can work with different network types and support a unique SIM that grants access to multiple networks.

The new service will cost $20 a month for unlimited voice and text, plus $10 a month per GB of data used. Interestingly, any unused fraction of data transfer per month is refunded at the same flat rate. For example, if you only use 200 MB of your $10/month data plan, you get an $8 refund.

Another interesting tidbit is how the service uses Wi-Fi. They claim voice calls can transition seamlessly between Wi-Fi hotspots and cell networks. Google has apparently cataloged over a million access points and will automatically connect you to verified hot spots. Also, all data transferred while using an open Wi-Fi hotspot is automatically encrypted through a built-in VPN-like service.

Re: Not very enticing... (Score: 1)

by zenbi@pipedot.org on 2015-04-23 03:31 (#7MHV)

Remember, Google is just a middle man in this new service. The actual data is still being transfered using the T-Mobile and Sprint backend networks. This means, other than bulk discounts, Google is totally dependent on the pricing of the underlying services.

Ars has compiled a really nice price comparison here: #7M6Y
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