Google's
own MVNO monthly cellular service. Click below for $20 off your first month's
service.
About
Google Fi
Google
Fi is a MVNO
with the somewhat unique ability to operate across multiple carriers (T-Mobile
and Sprint being the major providers) as well as offload calls to Wi-Fi when
available. For the end user, this means better connectivity as the phone seamlessly
switches among multiple connections to provide the best service, but comes at
the cost of a limited number of devices. That being said, if you wish to forgo
the carrier optimization described above, the Google Fi SIM seems to work with
other devices as well.
Although
capable of working on other phones, I much prefer using the Google approved
devices (Nexus and now Pixel) as they provide the cleanest Android experience
free from the OEM and carrier adulterations. The fact that I was already using
a Nexus device with another MVNO carrier, and the generous discounts Google Fi
offers towards Nexus and Pixel phone purchases, made switching to Google Fi completely
worth it. Although I had no service problems to speak of, the Nexus/Pixel
phones are sold unlocked so switching back after receiving your discounted
phone is a non-issue.
I’ve been using Google Fi for over a year,
including several international trips, and the service worked well and without
issue. I did contact support for a replacement Nexus 5X device (the LG-produced
device had a defect that caused many devices to boot-loop) and was issued a
refurbished Nexus in short order. I would say existing MVNO users,
international travelers, users already invested in Google’s ecosystem, and
users that are not data-heavy could benefit from trying out the service.
