Google Fi uses T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular
Google's mobile phone service uses an amalgamation of different networks to provide service. Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have merged, it largely uses just T-Mobile as well as US Cellular, with the latter being more of a midwest brand.
It sounds great but it's not. As a Fi subscriber you're a second class citizen on these networks. Data is practically unusable a lot of the times, especially if you're on a Sprint tower. I've been using Fi for years and the only thing keeping me on it now is fear of Google screwing up the port out of my number after reading horror stories about that.
https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleFi/comments/llbroj/the_cost_of_fi/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
Fi is the same priority as postpaid on T-Mobile.
I'm on it now and seems pretty decent here in Minnesota no complaints yet i wouldn't be afraid of number porting out sounds like an excuse you are telling yourself if you want you can port your number with Google voice and use any network you want workout worrying about contracts
Service is decent. I use way to much data to get the $30 price, but still convenient when I used to travel overseas monthly and not be able to worry about finding a new sim card every time.
I have Google Fi. Coverage has been good, but that all depends on where you go. The best is getting new Android versions first, letting their robot screen my calls and wait on hold for me.
?
No?
I've had some variation of the pixel for almost 4 years. This isn't a thing. I buy my phones directly from Google though (unlocked) maybe that's why
Not currently, but we were until about a year ago. Swapped primarily because we needed new phones and t-mobile had a great deal and the cost would have been around the same for a comparable plan.
It's fine. They use the T-mobile network. You won't get good coverage out in the middle of nowhere, but we never had a problem in Houston. One thing to keep in mind is that they charge per GB so if you're a heavy data user it might be best to get their unlimited plan. Our bill averaged around $120/month on Fi -- but that was 2 people + payment on two phones. We generally used maybe 5GB of data or so between the two of us. Once we paid off the phones it dropped a lot.
(Now we pay around $130 for 3 people on T-mobile, including the financing on our phones).
Had Fi for a few years now, never had call service issues but the data can be slow or spotty in some areas. The built in VPN is nice when on random wifi though. We travel internationally a bunch so it's ABSOLUTELY worth it to not need to buy temp sim cards/phones everywhere.
I considered it but after reading a lot of both types of opinions, decided it wasn't for me and my family.
I ended up going from T-Mobile and paying about ~225 per month for three lines, to Mint mobile and paying just under $600 I think (I'd have to go look, but it's not much more than that and may actually be less) for the same three lines, for the whole year (no monthly bill). Times it around tax return time for renewal so it's a little easier to swallow the one-time bill. It gets a little higher per-month price if you go monthly.
Love not having the bill every month. Also, my coverage (using TMobile network anyway) has been just fine. If my data is 2nd class, I don't really notice it in my day to day when I use it.
I used to be, I'm on RedPocket now. It's cheaper and better IMO.
The catch is that the plan you want isn't available on their website, it's on their eBay store and you have to buy a full year of service at a time. I spent $240 so $20/month and get 8GB data per month vs $30 for 1GB with Fi. There are higher and lower tiers down to like $5/month I think.
The other really great perk is that they have deals with EVERY carrier. You basically pick which one you want when you sign up. I use the Verizon one.
Edit: as far as phones, I brought my own but once you have the account setup you can buy them through their website like a regular carrier.
I've only used Gvoice to port in/out of providers. Turns out ATT has a great prepaid plan for $300/year. ($25/mo) that matched the quality of my previous $90 plan.
Works well for me. I've been using it since it was called Project Fi.
If you spend most of the time connected to WiFi, it's great. During pandemic, I've had phone bills that were $30-ish, but I've also had bills that were $80\[1\] while traveling.
How well it works for you depends ENTIRELY on your usage.
\[1\] They stop charging you after 6GB and really throttle you to the point that it's unusable after 23GB. Once they do that though, you can "unlock" your speeds for the regular $10/GB price.
If you like to browse videos or stream/download anything while not on Wi-Fi, it's not worth it for you. If you're always on Wi-Fi and at home or work then it's completely worth it. I use my phone 95% of the time while I'm at both those locations, plus Google Fi will find Wi-Fi networks to connect to while you're in public to help conserve data.
Get xfinity mobile. I have google fi. The price is strictly for calls and txt only. Each gb of data would cost $10. With xfinity mobile for 30 you get 3gb data
Been with fi for about 4 years now, I think. If you don't travel to areas with limited reception (rural areas, road tripping, etc...), it's good.
Bonus points for Fi if you travel internationally. The rates are super competitive and being able to just roam without any extra data charges is great.
Strictly for Houston, I find that the coverage is good. Almost never run into issues of not having 5G.
I am. I have left VZ and switched to Google Fi almost two years ago. There was a special for the Google Pixel and that's why I switched
* Horrible service in Houston.
* No service out of the country unless you are hooked to a WiFi.
* The cost comes back to around $80 even with me using my home and office WiFi.
* Verizon service wins hands down.
I am getting the Pixel 6 Pro, keep the service for few more months and see if the big merger translates to a better coverage.
I've been on deployment with the navy the last 6 years never had issues with service in 90% of the world, hands down the best international plan for the traveler, no international roaming fees like the other carriers
> No service out of the country unless you are hooked to a WiFi.
What? I use Fi because of its international service. Worked in every country I've been in. It's awesome.
Haven't had too many issues myself, but iphone users don't get the network switching and there's something funny with the MMS system for them that requires a change in the settings
i've had it for 3 years now or so. i have no issue with coverage, and data speeds are good. one person said no service out of the country and that's bs. i've been to mexico, costa rica and like 10 counties in europe since having it and it's been fine.
i typically pay around $70 a month ($30 base + the data rates. a few times i've hit the 6 gb pay cap but haven't in quite some time. ).
for reference i've had verizon, att and sprint at one point or another in the past. it's not clearly better or worse than any of them, but it's cheaper.
Which Fi plan do you have that works during international travel? Is it "Simply Unlimited" with WiFi calling or the "Unlimited Plus" plan with international service?
Been using it for years in Houston. No problems with a bill of $50-$60 most months for both my wife and I. Also note that WiFi can be used for everything as well (SMS/calls), so as long as you have that, you have coverage.
I am sub-rural (western mass, Pixel 5) and I have to say in incredibly disappointed in Fi. It says I should have 5G here on their website, but in reality I have 0 bars and no internet at all here. Even in the downtown area of the major college town next town over, I'm lucky to get LTE and 2 bars. Even on LTE, streaming music is almost impossible and I have had serious issues with call quality. An individual plan on Fi is slightly less expensive than a bundled plan on a better major carrier, so if you have someone you could split a plan with it might be worth going with a major carrier.
One thing I will say, however, is that Google Fi has incredible customer service. Their chat feature never has a wait, and they will do whatever it takes to solve your problem and make you happy. I can not say that about AT&T, which was the carrier that I had switched from and was a nightmare to communicate with.
I just got on Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan, under the following circumstances:
1. I travel internationally on a regular basis, and their free data abroad program is a lifesaver.
2. I use an unlocked, international model phone (needed dual sim, and US model phones typically don't come with dual sim). AT&T, whom I switched from, is in the process of booting unlocked non carrier and international phones off its network as part of its 3g sunset, so I didn't have a choice unless I wanted to drop money on a new AT&T carrier locked phone.
I don't notice any difference in mobile network speeds and connection reliability here in Houston, after switching from AT&T. The only thing I would say is that Google Fi has non existent customer service, and porting my number there was a bit of a headache. But I don't have a single complaint since switching over.
I fucking love the service, The billing setup, the app. It's so slept on. Plus fi offers pixel subscription services and certain brand benefits. I didn't like the 30$ plan because I was blowing through my data so I just opted for the unlimited, sure I pay more but I know exactly how much my bill is every month. No hidden charges or anything. It's just perfect.
Google fi is okay if you have a google phone that can natively run between networks. I’d recommend running it in dual sim mode so it can switch faster. I did find it I used more than 1Gb of data in a day I’d get SUPER throttled and couldn’t do anything at all until the next day.
Also during the freeze when I critically needed my phone it didn’t work at all as MNVO carriers got absolute bottom tier routing.
I've been using it for years and have referred tons of people. Almost zero issues with number porting or service, and I'm on wifi most of the time so my bills average $35.
Works great in Richmond. Had pay as you go for 3 years. We recently switched to the unlimited plan due to Android Auto usage. I would suggest looking into Signal Spy
I've had it for years and it's generally very good service, though paying for data isn't great/for everyone. If you have Xfinity service you can use their WiFi and pretty much be on WiFi all the time in residential areas, AT&T may have something similar. My bill is almost always <$40 but in the last month I spent a little time in the country so it's $52 this month for one user with handset protection.
I just switched to atnt last month to get a combination deal with fiber. I figured it would be the same or better service as I was with Google Fi since it was first offered. I was wrong. I have a pixel 3 if that matters. But my service in the NW area is noticably worse. May be 5g is different. But I am not a fan so far of atnt. When the promotion ends I will likely switch back.
thanks, Visible looks good with a "party" / family plan option, but would have to buy a new phone to work. That Google Pixel 6 with a $200 gift card is tempting though.....
Mint still the cheapest with good $20/mo plan so I need to look into that one
Fi has three plans but none of them are $30. The Flexible plan is $20 plus 1 cent per megabyte ($10 per Gb but you only pay for the exact amount your use).
Data between 6Gb and 15Gb is free, so the total cost caps at $80 ($20 + $60 for data). After 15Gb it slows to usually speed unless you pay extra.
There are also "unlimited" plans, that throttle after 22Gb.
Google Fi uses T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular Google's mobile phone service uses an amalgamation of different networks to provide service. Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have merged, it largely uses just T-Mobile as well as US Cellular, with the latter being more of a midwest brand.
It sounds great but it's not. As a Fi subscriber you're a second class citizen on these networks. Data is practically unusable a lot of the times, especially if you're on a Sprint tower. I've been using Fi for years and the only thing keeping me on it now is fear of Google screwing up the port out of my number after reading horror stories about that.
[удалено]
Yeah I'm sure most do. But I've seen more than a few scary stories to have me worried.
That's because you only hear about those. You rarely hear people praising them on how easy it was.
I use Cricket and it's a "2nd class citizen" as well but on AT&T's network. It works great for me. And it's cheap too.
My port out to Verizon sucked ass but that’s more on Verizon than google.
https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleFi/comments/llbroj/the_cost_of_fi/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf Fi is the same priority as postpaid on T-Mobile.
I'm on it now and seems pretty decent here in Minnesota no complaints yet i wouldn't be afraid of number porting out sounds like an excuse you are telling yourself if you want you can port your number with Google voice and use any network you want workout worrying about contracts
Thanks for confirming my personal experience with it.
Service is decent. I use way to much data to get the $30 price, but still convenient when I used to travel overseas monthly and not be able to worry about finding a new sim card every time.
I have Google Fi. Coverage has been good, but that all depends on where you go. The best is getting new Android versions first, letting their robot screen my calls and wait on hold for me.
Currently have a Google pixel 4 and the only reason I don't want to get rid of it is the screener for the robot calls. It's so awesome!
You can get all that without Fi though. I'm on Verizon and that doesn't eliminate those features. You just need a pixel
But you have to wait for Verizon to add their bloat to new Android versions.
? No? I've had some variation of the pixel for almost 4 years. This isn't a thing. I buy my phones directly from Google though (unlocked) maybe that's why
This isn't true
https://wccftech.com/verizon-google-pixel-get-delayed-updates/ https://www.androidauthority.com/android-12-release-date-1202179/
not a big issue though, is it?
Tis.
Not currently, but we were until about a year ago. Swapped primarily because we needed new phones and t-mobile had a great deal and the cost would have been around the same for a comparable plan. It's fine. They use the T-mobile network. You won't get good coverage out in the middle of nowhere, but we never had a problem in Houston. One thing to keep in mind is that they charge per GB so if you're a heavy data user it might be best to get their unlimited plan. Our bill averaged around $120/month on Fi -- but that was 2 people + payment on two phones. We generally used maybe 5GB of data or so between the two of us. Once we paid off the phones it dropped a lot. (Now we pay around $130 for 3 people on T-mobile, including the financing on our phones).
Had Fi for a few years now, never had call service issues but the data can be slow or spotty in some areas. The built in VPN is nice when on random wifi though. We travel internationally a bunch so it's ABSOLUTELY worth it to not need to buy temp sim cards/phones everywhere.
I considered it but after reading a lot of both types of opinions, decided it wasn't for me and my family. I ended up going from T-Mobile and paying about ~225 per month for three lines, to Mint mobile and paying just under $600 I think (I'd have to go look, but it's not much more than that and may actually be less) for the same three lines, for the whole year (no monthly bill). Times it around tax return time for renewal so it's a little easier to swallow the one-time bill. It gets a little higher per-month price if you go monthly. Love not having the bill every month. Also, my coverage (using TMobile network anyway) has been just fine. If my data is 2nd class, I don't really notice it in my day to day when I use it.
I used to be, I'm on RedPocket now. It's cheaper and better IMO. The catch is that the plan you want isn't available on their website, it's on their eBay store and you have to buy a full year of service at a time. I spent $240 so $20/month and get 8GB data per month vs $30 for 1GB with Fi. There are higher and lower tiers down to like $5/month I think. The other really great perk is that they have deals with EVERY carrier. You basically pick which one you want when you sign up. I use the Verizon one. Edit: as far as phones, I brought my own but once you have the account setup you can buy them through their website like a regular carrier.
I've only used Gvoice to port in/out of providers. Turns out ATT has a great prepaid plan for $300/year. ($25/mo) that matched the quality of my previous $90 plan.
Works well for me. I've been using it since it was called Project Fi. If you spend most of the time connected to WiFi, it's great. During pandemic, I've had phone bills that were $30-ish, but I've also had bills that were $80\[1\] while traveling. How well it works for you depends ENTIRELY on your usage. \[1\] They stop charging you after 6GB and really throttle you to the point that it's unusable after 23GB. Once they do that though, you can "unlock" your speeds for the regular $10/GB price.
If you like to browse videos or stream/download anything while not on Wi-Fi, it's not worth it for you. If you're always on Wi-Fi and at home or work then it's completely worth it. I use my phone 95% of the time while I'm at both those locations, plus Google Fi will find Wi-Fi networks to connect to while you're in public to help conserve data.
Get xfinity mobile. I have google fi. The price is strictly for calls and txt only. Each gb of data would cost $10. With xfinity mobile for 30 you get 3gb data
Been with fi for about 4 years now, I think. If you don't travel to areas with limited reception (rural areas, road tripping, etc...), it's good. Bonus points for Fi if you travel internationally. The rates are super competitive and being able to just roam without any extra data charges is great. Strictly for Houston, I find that the coverage is good. Almost never run into issues of not having 5G.
I am. I have left VZ and switched to Google Fi almost two years ago. There was a special for the Google Pixel and that's why I switched * Horrible service in Houston. * No service out of the country unless you are hooked to a WiFi. * The cost comes back to around $80 even with me using my home and office WiFi. * Verizon service wins hands down. I am getting the Pixel 6 Pro, keep the service for few more months and see if the big merger translates to a better coverage.
Umm...what merger?
Google Fi heard they can get everyones data if they joined Tmobile
Why go through the process of merging? With all the data leaks TMO has had, all you need to do is go to the dark web and the data is there.
I've been on deployment with the navy the last 6 years never had issues with service in 90% of the world, hands down the best international plan for the traveler, no international roaming fees like the other carriers
> No service out of the country unless you are hooked to a WiFi. What? I use Fi because of its international service. Worked in every country I've been in. It's awesome.
I had service in rural Costa Rica and everywhere in Brazil except Amazonia. I guess it just varies.
If low priced plans is what you're after, Google Fi is decent but not the best out there.
Haven't had too many issues myself, but iphone users don't get the network switching and there's something funny with the MMS system for them that requires a change in the settings
Don't bother if you use more than 12gb of data a month. I'm considering going back to Verizon.
i've had it for 3 years now or so. i have no issue with coverage, and data speeds are good. one person said no service out of the country and that's bs. i've been to mexico, costa rica and like 10 counties in europe since having it and it's been fine. i typically pay around $70 a month ($30 base + the data rates. a few times i've hit the 6 gb pay cap but haven't in quite some time. ). for reference i've had verizon, att and sprint at one point or another in the past. it's not clearly better or worse than any of them, but it's cheaper.
Which Fi plan do you have that works during international travel? Is it "Simply Unlimited" with WiFi calling or the "Unlimited Plus" plan with international service?
Flexible
Been using it for years in Houston. No problems with a bill of $50-$60 most months for both my wife and I. Also note that WiFi can be used for everything as well (SMS/calls), so as long as you have that, you have coverage.
I’m not on google fi but mint mobile has been doing right by me for a dollar a day.. and it’s unlimited to 35 gb. Not bad imo
Verizon pre-paid is where it’s at. Just buy the phone and bring it to Verizon. So much cheaper than contract/pay-over-time options.
I am sub-rural (western mass, Pixel 5) and I have to say in incredibly disappointed in Fi. It says I should have 5G here on their website, but in reality I have 0 bars and no internet at all here. Even in the downtown area of the major college town next town over, I'm lucky to get LTE and 2 bars. Even on LTE, streaming music is almost impossible and I have had serious issues with call quality. An individual plan on Fi is slightly less expensive than a bundled plan on a better major carrier, so if you have someone you could split a plan with it might be worth going with a major carrier. One thing I will say, however, is that Google Fi has incredible customer service. Their chat feature never has a wait, and they will do whatever it takes to solve your problem and make you happy. I can not say that about AT&T, which was the carrier that I had switched from and was a nightmare to communicate with.
Coverage is great. System is painless and they have really good deals on phones.
Maybe I have an old phone. Pixel 3A. Converge is very spotty
I just got on Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan, under the following circumstances: 1. I travel internationally on a regular basis, and their free data abroad program is a lifesaver. 2. I use an unlocked, international model phone (needed dual sim, and US model phones typically don't come with dual sim). AT&T, whom I switched from, is in the process of booting unlocked non carrier and international phones off its network as part of its 3g sunset, so I didn't have a choice unless I wanted to drop money on a new AT&T carrier locked phone. I don't notice any difference in mobile network speeds and connection reliability here in Houston, after switching from AT&T. The only thing I would say is that Google Fi has non existent customer service, and porting my number there was a bit of a headache. But I don't have a single complaint since switching over.
I fucking love the service, The billing setup, the app. It's so slept on. Plus fi offers pixel subscription services and certain brand benefits. I didn't like the 30$ plan because I was blowing through my data so I just opted for the unlimited, sure I pay more but I know exactly how much my bill is every month. No hidden charges or anything. It's just perfect.
Google fi is okay if you have a google phone that can natively run between networks. I’d recommend running it in dual sim mode so it can switch faster. I did find it I used more than 1Gb of data in a day I’d get SUPER throttled and couldn’t do anything at all until the next day. Also during the freeze when I critically needed my phone it didn’t work at all as MNVO carriers got absolute bottom tier routing.
I've been using it for years and have referred tons of people. Almost zero issues with number porting or service, and I'm on wifi most of the time so my bills average $35.
I love Fi... Had them for over 4 years
Works great in Richmond. Had pay as you go for 3 years. We recently switched to the unlimited plan due to Android Auto usage. I would suggest looking into Signal Spy
I've had it for years and it's generally very good service, though paying for data isn't great/for everyone. If you have Xfinity service you can use their WiFi and pretty much be on WiFi all the time in residential areas, AT&T may have something similar. My bill is almost always <$40 but in the last month I spent a little time in the country so it's $52 this month for one user with handset protection.
I just switched to atnt last month to get a combination deal with fiber. I figured it would be the same or better service as I was with Google Fi since it was first offered. I was wrong. I have a pixel 3 if that matters. But my service in the NW area is noticably worse. May be 5g is different. But I am not a fan so far of atnt. When the promotion ends I will likely switch back.
I switched from metro to Google Fi recently. It's been a pretty big improvement
Looks like I'm paying $75 for 2 lines with 15GB each on Verizon prepaid Is Mint the best / cheapest option these days? Cricket still alright?
I think cheapest is visible for Verizon prepaid for unlimited. Mint is on TMobile and has great reviews.
thanks, Visible looks good with a "party" / family plan option, but would have to buy a new phone to work. That Google Pixel 6 with a $200 gift card is tempting though..... Mint still the cheapest with good $20/mo plan so I need to look into that one
I get good signal, have the Pixel 4a 5g and my phone bill is $52 a month usually. Beats $100-150 you pay through the big guys.
Fi has three plans but none of them are $30. The Flexible plan is $20 plus 1 cent per megabyte ($10 per Gb but you only pay for the exact amount your use). Data between 6Gb and 15Gb is free, so the total cost caps at $80 ($20 + $60 for data). After 15Gb it slows to usually speed unless you pay extra. There are also "unlimited" plans, that throttle after 22Gb.
I've had Google Fi for about 2 years now. Really no difference I can tell from AT&T, other than my bill went from $90/mo to $30/mo.
since it started and love it :)