Google has officially confirmed its new interest in the wireless service industry as it launches Project Fi in partnership with T-Mobile and Sprint.
Although Google's new wireless service is still in infancy, there are some incredible deals that are hard to resist. But it comes with certain limitations that can be a major setback.
Project Fi is a wireless service provider that relies on T-Mobile and Sprint networks to offer best signal to its users. The network will automatically switch between two carriers depending on which signal is stronger. Like other wireless plans, Project Fi offers talk, text and data services but costs as low as $30 a month. There are some limitations to getting onboard with Google's Project Fi network, such as the service is compatible only with Nexus 6 smartphones and subscribers must be invited by Google.
As for the monthly plans, subscribers can start off with just $20 a month plan that offers unlimited texts and calls. For data, Google has some interesting offers in place. For an extra $10 a month, users will get 1GB data, $20 for 2GB, $30 for 3GB and so on. The best part about the data plans with Project Fi is that users need not worry about losing their left over data. Instead of carrying it forward, like other carriers in the U.S., Google will refund the difference.
For instance, if you are on a $30 plan for unlimited texts, calls and 1GB data and you end up using just 500MB throughout the month, your monthly bill will automatically be dropped to $25. The $5 discount comes from the 500MB that wasn't used that particular month. Most importantly, there are no contracts binding you to stay with Google for a certain period.
But if you love your existing smartphone, Project Fi may not be the best option. However, if you are a frequent traveler, the costs and data allowances can be a great incentive. Project Fi switches between 4G LTE and Wi-Fi to deliver the fastest network and supports voice calls and texting over Wi-Fi. Subscribers will require a special SIM card for Project Fi to work on Nexus 6 smartphones.
If you are an existing owner of Nexus 6, you can port over your number to Project Fi. But if you want to signup, Nexus 6 will cost $649 for the 32GB variant and $699 for the 64GB one. There are easy monthly installments to pay for the device over a period of 24 months, according to the Project Fi FAQ page.
If Google's Project Fi interests you, register your willingness to join the network as Google will be sending out a small number of invites every week.
