Updated 06:39 AM EDT, Fri, Mar 29, 2024

Google Project Fi: Service, Rates & How to Get Started

  • Staff
  • Apr 23, 2015 07:30 AM EDT
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Google has finally taken the wraps off its long-anticipated wireless carrier service: Project Fi.

Offering 4G LTE support, wireless tethering and Wi-Fi calling, Project Fi allows consumers do the talking, texting and Wi-Fi tethering from $20, Gizmodo reported. Every additional gigabyte of data is priced for $10. Rates are measured on a monthly basis.

A user can expect full credit if he doesn't use all set data. That being said, one shall only pay for what he uses.

Unveiled on Wednesday, the service makes use of Sprint and T-Mobile's networks, the Los Angeles Times said, including over a million free Wi-Fi hot spots. As part of the service, the Silicon Valley company developed technology that intelligently links one user to the strongest available connection, wherever he is.

Google aims to make convenient connections across the United States and more than 120 countries all around the globe.

As told by Gizmodo, the service is currently available only among Nexus 6 handsets, through a special SIM card. As it is under an invite-only system, prospects are encouraged to sign up here.

Nick Fox, Google's VP of Communications Products, wrote in a blog post, "In today's mobile world, fast and reliable connectivity is almost second nature. But even in places like the U.S., where mobile connections are nearly ubiquitous, there are still times when you turn to your phone for that split-second answer and don't have fast enough speed."

"That's why today we're introducing Project Fi, a program to explore this opportunity by introducing new ideas through a fast and easy wireless experience. Similar to our Nexus hardware program, Project Fi enables us to work in close partnership with leading carriers, hardware makers, and all of you to push the boundaries of what's possible," the rep went on.

Followers would remember that Google formally expressed its intention in the wireless industry last month. It's been thought that Google, being rookie in the industry, does not intend to compete with major network carriers.

If the service becomes successful, however, providers may be pressured to lower their price rates and better adapt to the booming markets of tablets and wearables. Such thought was provided by Brian Blau, research director at Gartner, Reuters noted.

Ars Technica compared Project Fi to Republic Wireless, which likwise offers a "Hybrid Network" that predominantly uses Wi-Fi, eventually switching to Sprint when connection isn't available.

Fox added, "If you leave an area of Wi-Fi coverage, your call will seamlessly transition from Wi-Fi to cell networks so your conversation doesn't skip a beat... With Project Fi, your phone number lives in the cloud, so you can talk and text with your number on just about any phone, tablet or laptop."

As Project Fi uses publicly-available wireless networks, Google shall encrypt data for privacy measures, Quartz said.

For more information about Google's project plan, head over here. FAQs are listed here.

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