Discussion Thoughts on Google Fi?

[GodisanAtheist]

They say you're not an adult until you schedule your own dentist appointments and you pay for your own mobile phone plan.

Well I'm half way there and looking to cover the other half.

I'm currently on my Parent's T-Mobile phone plan, while my wife is on her parent's Sprint plan. I have an ancient LG V20 that has no cell reception at my house, while my wife is running a Pixel 3aXL that gets coverage where we live.

My understanding is Google Fi basically let's you network hop so you get great coverage anywhere you are with no roaming, and you just pay Google the flat rate and they handle the details on the back end.

Their premium plan, which would come out to $60 each ($120 total) for my wife and I would include international (we like to travel in normal times), plenty of data, 5g (I figure I'd pick up a used Pixel 4a 5g as an upgrade from my V20 which I love so much).

Worries basically boil down to... It's a Google service so is it going to be dead a burrows after 2 years, and does it deliver what it is promising?

Any feedback would be good to have, it sounds like a really nice modern phone plan on the face of it.

 

[Pohemi]

I'm currently on my Parent's T-Mobile phone plan, while my wife is on her parent's Sprint plan.

This statement does not compute. Does your wife/in-laws have...Verizon, maybe? Because T-Mobile bought Sprint and ate the name, basically. Former Sprint towers are now T-Mobile towers.

As far as Google Fi service...it's not likely to disappear in a year or two...it's been around for a number of years now. I used it for probably at least 5 or 6 years before ditching it earlier this year. My biggest gripes about it were lack of customer and/or tech support in the uncommon case of an issue.

The signal always worked well in most places I took my phone; the most common issues were odd buggy-ness, and I wondered if it was caused by the passthroughs in Google's systems/servers. Getting messages or voice mails on one of the lines that should have gone to the 'other' line (one was personal, one business). It didn't happen often, but there was never anyone to tell me why it was happening.

 

[MrSquished]

Google Fi has always ran on TMobile, Sprint and American Cellular networks. So no, they aren't going anywhere. Obviously now with T-Mobile taking over Sprint, it's TMobile and American Cellular network coverage. That's what you'll get with Google Fi.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

This statement does not compute. Does your wife/in-laws have...Verizon, maybe? Because T-Mobile bought Sprint and ate the name, basically. Former Sprint towers are now T-Mobile towers.

As far as Google Fi service...it's not likely to disappear in a year or two...it's been around for a number of years now. I used it for probably at least 5 or 6 years before ditching it earlier this year. My biggest gripes about it were lack of customer and/or tech support in the uncommon case of an issue.

The signal always worked well in most places I took my phone; the most common issues were odd buggy-ness, and I wondered if it was caused by the passthroughs in Google's systems/servers. Getting messages or voice mails on one of the lines that should have gone to the 'other' line (one was personal, one business). It didn't happen often, but there was never anyone to tell me why it was happening.

-Interesting info, thanks for the feedback.

I thought Sprint/Verizon we're always CDMA networks while T-mo and AT&T were GSM (or whatever) networks that operated off different bands etc.

With the Sprint purchase, I doubt they suddenly deactivated the old network and left a bunch of existing customers high and dry.

 

[MrSquished]

-Interesting info, thanks for the feedback.

I thought Sprint/Verizon we're always CDMA networks while T-mo and AT&T were GSM (or whatever) networks that operated off different bands etc.

With the Sprint purchase, I doubt they suddenly deactivated the old network and left a bunch of existing customers high and dry.

That's all changed. The carriers are mostly using the same tech now. I can unlock the pixel 6 pro I got from Verizon and take it to TMobile and it will work fine.

The one thing different is Verizon is implementing some mwave 5G, so its phones have an additional mmwave antennae. Currently the 6 pro comes with that by default. The regular 6 costs extra to get the one with the mmwave antennae in it to take advantage of that network when it's in range. Mmwave is very limited as it is very short range. It will work well for events like at concerts and stadiums and outdoors in popular city areas. It's not a technology that can be used to cover large areas and penetrate buildings with signal.

I think Verizon might have some legacy CDMA networks still running as well, but their primary tech is the same 4g and 5g lte everyone else is using.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I've been on Google Fi for 3 months. I think it's a great service if you are in an area with good T-Mobile coverage. I like the prices and the control I have.

But sadly T-Mobile/Sprint and that other carrier still don't have good coverage in nearly as many places as the big two carriers Verizon and AT&T. I switched from Verizon to Google Fi and the coverage in my area has been horrible. I tried to live with it, but I can't.

If you are already on T-Mobile as it sounds and like that service, then I think Google Fi is a no brainer.

PS. Keep in mind that network switching only works on select "Designed for Google Fi" phones like Pixel, flagship Samsung, and some others.

 

[Pohemi]

PS. Keep in mind that network switching only works on select "Designed for Google Fi" phones like Pixel, flagship Samsung, and some others.

This.
All Pixel phone models, and some Samsung and Motorola models are the ones that have the special switching antennae that can change towers and even carriers mid-call without dropping. These models work with both CDMA and GSM networks.

Any other unlocked phones are useable on Fi, assuming they work with T-Mobile/Sprint and/or US Cellular, but they won't be able to jump between carriers like that. They will usually need a dial code entered to force it to another carrier's towers/network.

 

[killster1]

They say you're not an adult until you schedule your own dentist appointments and you pay for your own mobile phone plan.

Well I'm half way there and looking to cover the other half.

I'm currently on my Parent's T-Mobile phone plan, while my wife is on her parent's Sprint plan. I have an ancient LG V20 that has no cell reception at my house, while my wife is running a Pixel 3aXL that gets coverage where we live.

My understanding is Google Fi basically let's you network hop so you get great coverage anywhere you are with no roaming, and you just pay Google the flat rate and they handle the details on the back end.

Their premium plan, which would come out to $60 each ($120 total) for my wife and I would include international (we like to travel in normal times), plenty of data, 5g (I figure I'd pick up a used Pixel 4a 5g as an upgrade from my V20 which I love so much).

Worries basically boil down to... It's a Google service so is it going to be dead a burrows after 2 years, and does it deliver what it is promising?

Any feedback would be good to have, it sounds like a really nice modern phone plan on the face of it.

i love to travel too but i always buy a simcard when i land (or before with europe), and most of the places i enjoy going are never covered on the plan and if they where it would be like 2g speeds.

i feel like google fi is WAY overpriced for being a specialty service that makes you jump into hoops.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

Google Fi is pretty expensive if you use more than three or four gigabytes.
I just checked two phones plus my data use is $110 to $135 per month for my last three months of use or $120 if I go with their “unlimited” and no hotspot data.
Current T-Mobile is $100 with 7GB of hotspot.
**I had 3GB of hotspot but upon checking my account I received a 4GB “appreciation” bonus at some point.

Coverage for google fi appears to be mostly T-Mobile and you don’t get the combined coverage without a new pixel device.
I do not see much value to the google plans unless you use a small amount of data.

 

[manly]

To my knowledge, T-Mobile has great family plans so there are many "households" that like to stack 5+ lines on one account. Their post-paid plans typically include worldwide (low-speed) roaming which is a plus. I'd be inclined to stay on your parents plan depending on what the numbers look like.

Google Fi isn't going anywhere, but they aren't that competitive with other MVNOs. Beside that, the scary thing about Google is they aren't a customer-service oriented operation like Amazon or even Apple. There have been reports of people who lapse on a Fi payment and suddenly find all their Google services broken. You might say easy solution, pay your bills on time; but in some rare edge cases people will basically lose their primary Google account in the process.

If you're all-in on Google services so to speak, I think the prudent thing is to leave your phone service with someone else unless you absolutely need to have the auto carrier-switching.

 

[jegonon300]

As with other mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs, Google Fi relies on another carrier’s network to provide cellular coverage. In Google Fi’s case, a couple of carriers are used — T-Mobile (and what's left of Sprint) and regional carrier US Cellular. For Fi-certified devices, Google says its cellular services determines which carrier has the fastest network where you happen to be and connects you to that one. Should you relocate to an area where another carrier partner has better coverage, you’ll be switched over to the better connection.

 

[MrSquished]

Switched to Google Fi from Verizon 10 days ago. Verizon cell service was very mediocre in the places I frequent the most and their customer service wasted so much of my time before resolving things, so I ended up out of my 30 days return period which was very annoying. So far the T Mobile network I am on is better than Verizon's. And when I do have a low signal from T Mobile, I can still load webpages and do basic things quickly, whereas on Verizon's network I got stuck at a loading bar. This is in NorthEast NJ which is supposed to be where Verizon is king. I'm sure if I go on hikes it will be a bit of a different story but not for in the populated areas I live in and frequent the most.

I did have to reach out to Google Fi's customer service twice just to ask about switching from an eSim to a physical sim, and then if I could run both at once. Chat was quick and painless.

Will have to use it for longer, but as far as the app and customer portal goes, the GoogleFi versions are much simpler, streamlined and just work better.

 

[killster1]

Switched to Google Fi from Verizon 10 days ago. Verizon cell service was very mediocre in the places I frequent the most and their customer service wasted so much of my time before resolving things, so I ended up out of my 30 days return period which was very annoying. So far the T Mobile network I am on is better than Verizon's. And when I do have a low signal from T Mobile, I can still load webpages and do basic things quickly, whereas on Verizon's network I got stuck at a loading bar. This is in NorthEast NJ which is supposed to be where Verizon is king. I'm sure if I go on hikes it will be a bit of a different story but not for in the populated areas I live in and frequent the most.

I did have to reach out to Google Fi's customer service twice just to ask about switching from an eSim to a physical sim, and then if I could run both at once. Chat was quick and painless.

Will have to use it for longer, but as far as the app and customer portal goes, the GoogleFi versions are much simpler, streamlined and just work better.

that sounds perfect except the price (30$ for 1gb!!!!!) , why not just switch to tmobile if they work best? ((tmobile has always been the worst service here in rural california) but things surely are better and i have issues with my redpocket from time to time most likely because they dont want me to use a galaxy s20 5g on their network (wouldnt let me activate it but just switched sim cards later)

can you run a esim and real sim at the same time? i wouldnt think so.

 

[MrSquished]

that sounds perfect except the price (30$ for 1gb!!!!!) , why not just switch to tmobile if they work best? ((tmobile has always been the worst service here in rural california) but things surely are better and i have issues with my redpocket from time to time most likely because they dont want me to use a galaxy s20 5g on their network (wouldnt let me activate it but just switched sim cards later)

can you run a esim and real sim at the same time? i wouldnt think so.

I got the $60 unlimited plan on Fi, which is what I would have gotten on TMo. I use more data than the pay per usage makes sense for.

And yes, you can use an esim and a physical sim at the same time if you want to, but you'd have to switch between them. You can use one for calls and pick the other for data if you wish as well.

I got Fi vs TMo because while they have merged with Sprint, I don't think they have finished the conversion yet so with Fi, there are pockets of areas where you could still benefit from a Sprint tower.

Also Google Fi uses US cellular towers. While their primary coverage area is the Midwest, and I have zero interest in visiting the Midwest ever, they also have coverage in the Pacific northwest and Maine, two places I want to go to, one perhaps this summer.

Also Fi has no contract, this phone is unlocked, so I can just switch anytime.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Picked up a Pixel 4a 5g used for a decent price ($300 "mint" condition) so we'll see if that resolves at least part of my network woes. If not, I'll have a solidly compatible device for Google Fi that can do network hopping etc and potentially get that coverage at home.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Pixel 4a 5G is a solid phone and Android 12 has a lot of nice UI and QOL upgrades over my V20's Android 8... but I still have connectivity issues at my house.

Checked my Wife's phone's network settings and it is in fact connected to Sprint's network, not T-Mobile's. My phone naturally is connecting to T-mobile.

Worth noting for anyone out there that Sprint has definitely not completely transitioned over to the T-mo network by a longshot.

 

[Tech Junky]

G-Fi is a MVNO that uses T-Mobile / US Cellular if you have the right handset.

However I used them for 5+ years for the fact that I'm on WIFI most of the time and didn't feel like paying more than I had to for voice.

Things in the phone arena have changed to much with VOLTE that what divided things into CDMA v GSM isn't relevant these days with newer phones. Of course it makes a difference in the bill portion though.

Since I worked for a couple of the carriers before they combined / post combination I have some preferences but, it comes down to where you use your device for coverage.

I have an OP 8 Pro which works on all major carriers and tested several of them and MVNO's in 2021 to see where I end up. I started out with a promo to test Visible (VZW) for $40/mo unlimited everything but, for me and my location while it worked it wasn't stunning by any means. In some areas I would be trickling along at 1mbps and the highest was 20mbps. I took their gift card for $100 to be 2.5 months of free service and then jumped ship.

I tried out Mint for 50% off for 3 months and used them to run some updated speed testing with T-Mobile w/o the surcharge for Magenta. To my surprise I average 600/100 speeds on 5G with Mint. So, it came time for renewal and I started looking at other plans using T-Mobile and found a deal on Tello through a 3rd party with 3 months at 50% for 8GB of data for $14.50/mo. Switched over, ran a speed test, same speeds @ 1/4 of the cost of Mint upon renewal w/o locking in a 12 month renewal.

Now, if I had a VZW phone specifically for their network or signed up for a non-MVNO plan it might have worked better for speeds. I even ventured to a BB and put the SIM from Visible into one of the Pixel 5's and tested the speeds and got the same dismal results. I went to a VZW store and tested there w/ my OP 8 Pro since the stores have a cell site in each one to make you feel like it's going to work really really good in the real world until you get a block away and it doesn't. They wouldn't let me use one of their phones for testing nor did they have a clue they offered a MVNO option in house.

I've worked on the VZW network and know what it's capable of and in some instances at the time it blew others out of the water when you were on a VZW property. When on T-Mobile property though more recently they hit the same speeds or better. In today's jumble of 5G clutter / conversion and spats the whole mmWAVE crap that ATT / VZW are spinning for marketing aren't a reality and I don't suspect widespread coverage for a decade considering how dense they need to pack the cells to get that kind of coverage.

TLDR....pick something T-Mobile based / Tello.com has deals going on all of the time for 25% off 6 months or if you dig deep you can find 50% off for 3 months.

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