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Tag: Google Fi

  • Google Fi Wireless increases pricing for those with more than three lines on “Simply Unlimited” plan

    Google Fi Wireless increases pricing for those with more than three lines on “Simply Unlimited” plan

    Google Fi Wireless, the MVNO wireless phone plan brought to you by Google, has announced changes to the pricing of its “Simply Unlimited” plan. Starting today for new customers, and rolling out to existing customers after April 4th, 2024, the prices for plans with three or more lines will be increasing as follows:

    • Three lines: The cost for three lines on the Simply Unlimited plan will increase from $80 to $90 per month.
    • Four lines: Accounts with four lines will go up from $80 to $100 per month.
    • Five and six lines: There are also increases for five-line accounts (going up to $125/month) and six-line accounts (going up to $150/month)

    If you have one or two lines active on the Simply Unlimited plan, not to worry, your pricing will remain unchanged. Additionally, Google Fi Wireless is not changing the core features of the Simply Unlimited plan, which still include unlimited high-speed data (which slows down after 35GB), unlimited calls and texts in the US, Canada, and Mexico, 5GB of hotspot tethering, connectivity for select smartwatches, automatic encryption of your data using a virtual private network (VPN), as well as some family safety features such as spam blocking, location sharing, and contact controls.

    These pricing adjustments begin for new customers starting today, March 5th, 2024. Existing customers will see the change reflected on their first bill after April 4th, 2024. Google Fi Wireless also clarifies that existing accounts with long-term promotions or device financing agreements activated before March 5th, 2024, will maintain their original pricing until those commitments end. Pricing will also not change on the Flexible or Unlimited Plus plans.

    Google Fi Wireless states this change in pricing is necessary “to continue delivering high-quality product offerings and features.” This marks the first price increase for the almost three year old “Simply Unlimited” plan since the service was rebranded from “Google Fi” to “Google Fi Wireless” last year.

  • Google Fi Wireless rolls out redesigned app with updated branding

    Google Fi Wireless rolls out redesigned app with updated branding

    Google Fi Wireless, which is Google Fi’s new name after the rebrand last month, has updated its mobile app with a redesign that makes it easier for customers to manage their family’s Fi subscription. The new app offers several new capabilities, including the option to check how much data each family member has used, set data limitations, and add new people to the plan.

    The app redesign was also teased last month with a short animation showing off the new family-oriented features. These also include parental controls to protect any minors added to the plan.
    As part of the redesign, a visible “Cycle ends” timer now appears on the top right of the app, alerting you when your plan resets. Right below that, you will see letter avatars representing each member that is part of the plan, which you can click on to check individually. Additionally, there is a “Group” avatar which is where you can check your plan highlights and any offers or deals that may be of interest to you.

    If you’re not on an Unlimited plan, your manager account will show data consumption with Overall and Daily views. The top “Your safety features” or “Help protect” area shows the status of silencing unknown callers or selecting only to receive calls or texts from phone contacts. It also s hows the status of your Location sharing and any Data alerts.

    This family dashboard sports the familiar Material You UI and allows you to check all of your family members’ data consumption in one spot. This can be useful for tracking who is using how much data and ensuring that everyone is staying on track with their usage in the case that you don’t have an unlimited plan.

    This redesign is rolling out with version 85 of the Google Fi Wireless app on Android, however, there is a server-side component that needs to be switched on before the changes can be seen. Fortunately, it appears that this switch has been flipped for more users in the past few days.

  • Better late than never, Google Fi’s 5G network now works on iPhones

    Better late than never, Google Fi’s 5G network now works on iPhones

    Google Fi, the company’s MVNO cellular carrier service, has tweeted that it is extending its 5G coverage to include iPhones. This is a major step forward for the company, as only Google’s Pixel phones could connect to Fi’s 5G network earlier.

    iPhone users who are Google Fi subscribers will now be able to utilize the service’s 5G network in 35 cities across the United States due to the extension. Google Fi’s use of numerous wireless networks, including T-Mobile, Sprint, and US wireless, enables this.To use Google Fi’s 5G network, iPhone users must have a compatible smartphone and be in a 5G coverage region.

    The network supports 5G-capable iPhones such as the iPhone 12 or newer.

    Google Fi’s 5G network guarantees customers faster bandwidth and reduced latency. This is especially useful for those who watch video or play games on their phones and companies that require dependable and quick internet connections.

    This late, but welcomed, expansion of Google Fi’s 5G network into the iPhone market is part of the company’s continuing attempts to bring its service to a broader variety of devices. While Google Fi was initially only accessible on Google’s Pixel phones, it has since been extended to include a wide range of Android devices and, most recently, iPhones using 4G.

    Using 5G on existing iPhones that are already on Google Fi’s network will require a few steps which include navigating to your iPhone’s Settings, then accessing the “Cellular” section. Once there, select “Cellular Data Options,” then “Voice & Data” or “Cellular”. Finally, pick “Voice & Data” and “5G Auto” after tapping your phone number.

    Overall, Google Fi’s 5G network extension to iPhones is a major development for both the business and its customers as Google Fi’s 5G network claims to provide a better user experience. Furthermore, the expansion of Google Fi’s service to iPhones is likely to draw new users, cementing the company’s place as a significant participant in the wireless carrier market.
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  • Google Fi reportedly drops US Cellullar service from main supported network to extended roaming

    Google Fi reportedly drops US Cellullar service from main supported network to extended roaming

    Although not officially confirmed, it appears that Google Fi has dropped US Cellular as main network partner, leaving T-Mobile as the sole provider to choose from when using the MVNO. However, US Cellular is still supported as part of Google Fi’s extended network.

    This was discovered by users of the service when reaching out to Google Fi’s customer service and was then promptly posted on Reddit where other users have chimed in confirming that they are receiving the same information. Chat representatives have responded to each query with somewhat conflicting information, but the one thing they agree on is that T-Mobile appears to now be the only main supported network that doesn’t involve roaming.
    This has been cause for concern for Google Fi customers who live in areas where the US Cellular towers are more prominent. In one chat conversation, Google Fi customer support assured that although US Cellular is not longer an official network for Google Fi, users may still be able to access it through roaming on the company’s Extended Network without incurring roaming charges while using it in the United States. Additionally, the MVNO has removed its dialer code, which was required for manual switching to the carrier.
    What this means for users is that they will no longer be able to manually choose a network as there is no other choice besides T-Mobile. Previously, although the setting wasn’t permanent, Google Fi would allow users to manually select their preferred network. Additionally, it would automatically switch between T-Mobile and US Cellular in locations where both networks were available but one had better coverage than the other. This latest change takes both of these options away.
    Now, T-Mobile will take precedence over US Cellular when both networks are available, despite the fact that US Cellular may have a stronger signal in some areas. This is a big change from when Google Fi started offering its MVNO services in 2015 by utilizing T-Mobile and Sprint, and then subsequently added US Cellular as a third partner a year later. However, options began to shrink once T-Mobile acquired Sprint in 2020, effectively combining those two options into one.
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  • MVNO Google Fi cuts its pricing for unlimited data

    MVNO Google Fi cuts its pricing for unlimited data

    Originally known as Project Fi, Google Fi debuted in April 2015 and was offered by invitation to owners of the Nexus 6. A year later, the Pixel and Pixel XL were added and in February 2018, the service was rebranded as Google Fi.
    Google Fi is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) which means that while it does offer you wireless service, Google Fi itself does not own any cell towers and pays for the right to use network capacity from T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular. The carrier you will be using on Google Fi at any given time is the one offering a stronger signal at your current location.
    Pricing changes are being made to Fi’s service tiers except for the Flexible plan. With that plan, you pay $10 for each GB of data used and $16-$20 for unlimited calls/text (depending on the number of people on the plan).
    While pricing hasn’t changed for this plan, you can now get “unlimited calling within Canada and Mexico at no extra cost.” Previously, calls from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada were free but by replacing the word “from” to “within,” Google has expanded coverage for Fi users. Allowing subscribers to make unlimited calls within Canada and Mexico is now offered on all three plans (Flexible, Simply Unlimited, and Unlimited Plus) although you’ll pay $10 for each GB of data used on the Flexible plan.
    The Simply Unlimited plan (which is such a Googley name for this tier of service) is celebrating its first birthday with a nice price cut. It is designed to be an affordable unlimited plan for those who like to use plenty of data but don’t like the idea of paying for it. It also doesn’t include a lot of the extras that Google Fi offers to entice you to join its premium service.
    For four or more lines of Simply Unlimited, you now will pay $20 per subscriber each month, down from $30. For three lines, you’ll now pay $25 per subscriber each month, also down from $30. Two lines are now $40 per subscriber each month (down from $45) and the monthly price for a single line has been sliced to $50 from $60.
    Simply Unlimited includes unlimited data in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with data speeds throttled to 2G (256 kbps) after consumption of 35GB of data, up from 22GB. The plan includes 5GB a month of hotspot tethering.
    Google Fi has also lowered the pricing on its most premium plan which it calls Unlimited Plus. For four or more lines, the price of this plan has been reduced to $40 per subscriber each month from $45. Three lines are now priced at $45 per subscriber per month, down from $50. Two lines are priced at $55 per month for each subscriber (down from $60), and a single line will cost $65 monthly, down from $70.
    With the Unlimited Plus plan, subscribers now receive 50GB of high-speed data which can be employed for hotspot tethering and used internationally. Data can be used on tablets and other devices besides a phone, and there is 100GB of Cloud Storage using Google One. Calls from the U.S. are free to over 50 destinations, and data while traveling outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is free in over 200 destinations.
    Regardless of which plan you choose, Google Fi delivers:
    • Unlimited calls & texts.
    • No contracts or activation fees.
    • Built-in VPN and spam blocking.
    • Contact controls & data budgets.
    • 24/7 customer support.
    And to celebrate the updated pricing, you can save up to $500 on the purchase of certain handsets. If you bring your own phone, you will get a Fi bill credit of $100 if you subscribe or add a line.
    While Google Fi does support the majority of Android handsets, iPhone users will only see 4G data speeds if they subscribe to the MVNO.

     

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  • Google Fi users are now eligible for the traditional year-end gift

    Google Fi users are now eligible for the traditional year-end gift

    If you’re a new Google Fi subscriber, you’re probably not aware that the MVNO typically offers gifts to its customers at the end of the year. Although this time around the rewards isn’t as exciting as it was in the previous years, you’ll still get something. Also, it’s always the gesture that counts, not the value of the gift.

    Starting today, Google Fi users with active service as of December 15, 2021, are eligible for a $10 Play Store credit. Of course, your account must be in good standing to qualify for the offer. Also, one thing worth noting is the Fi for Googlers accounts are not eligible for the $10 Play Store credit.

    According to Google Fi, the offer ends January 5, 2022, but customers can redeem it by January 12, 2022. The promotion is aimed at US residents only and requires Google Pay and Google Fi accounts.

    Once you add the $10 Play Store credit to a Google Payments account, you must use it on Google Play by June 30, 2022, otherwise, you’ll lose it.

  • Google Fi announces its first Unlimited Plan

    Google Fi announces its first Unlimited Plan

    Google Fi is getting its first Unlimited Plan, which should offer subscribers everything in unlimited quantities. Well, that’s not how it really works in the United States, at least when it comes to data.

    Since the carrier’s launch in 2015, only one plan was available for customers, the Fi Flexible plan. Starting today, Fi is adding a second plan, a Google Fi Unlimited Plan. It will be available for $70 for a single line, but the more people you’re sharing it with, the less it will cost. So, for two lines, the Unlimited Plan is priced at $60, while three lines cost just $50 per line. Finally, if you add between four and six lines, you’ll be paying $45 per individual user (taxes excluded)

    Google Fi’s Unlimited Plan offers 22GB of unthrottled data per line, after which your data speed will be limited. Also, Google mentions that it “may optimize video streaming quality to 480p to extend customers access to high-speed data before they hit 22GB.”

    Besides data, you’ll get unlimited calls and texts, including international calls. Google says that the plan covers free international calls from the US to 50 countries and territories, as well as unlimited data and texting abroad in 200 destinations at no extra charge.

    To make things even more appealing, the Unlimited Plan comes with a Google One membership with 100GB of cloud storage and extra benefits such as expert support across Google, discounts on Google products, and much more.

  • Google Fi, the next carrier?

    Google Fi, the next carrier?

    If you are satisfied with your current phone but would prefer to switch carriers, hybrid MVNO Google Fi has a deal for you. First, some explanation. Google Fi uses two million Wi-Fi hot spots to bring you service. When you are out of Wi-Fi range, your phone checks to see which of the three 4G LTE networks that Fi supports (T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular) has the strongest signal at the moment, and connects you to it. Doing this allows Google to keep Fi’s prices down.

    Now, let’s talk about the free month of service that Google Fi is offering to those bringing their compatible phone and number to the MVNO from another wireless provider. The offer is available from now through March 24th, and a list of supported handsets can be found here. You must sign up for a full service plan (not just data) and the phone must remain activated on Fi for 30 consecutive days.

    A week after activating your phone on Fi, you will get an email confirming the credit, which will show up on the following invoice. The credit that Google gives you will cover “a single subscriber’s unlimited talk and text, data usage, and taxes and fees for one month.” The offer is limited to one per person, or six per group plan and requires Google Payments and Google Fi accounts.

    Something else to consider, is that you cannot change your phone while in the aforementioned 30-day period. One Fi subscriber had problems with the Samsung Galaxy phone he moved over to the MVNO and could not dial out about 90% of the time. He bought a Fi compatible LG handset, and while it worked without a hitch, Fi denied him the free month.

    Google Fi costs $20/month for unlimited domestic talk and text for one person ($15 additional for each added subscriber up to a total of six), unlimited international texts, and access to cellular coverage in over 200+ countries. High-speed data costs $10/GB each month, but once you hit 6GB, the rest of the month is free. This means that for an individual, the monthly bill cannot exceed $80 (before taxes and fees) or $205 for a family of four. But there is a catch. Once you consume more than 15GB of data in one month, your data speed is throttled until the next billing cycle begins. Or, you can decide to continue receiving high-speed data by paying $10/GB for any amount of high-speed data you use over 15GB in the same month.

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