Google Fi (reviews, phone, signal, landline)

[PacoMartin]

What have we learned from Google Fi after a few weeks.

The charge for unlimited talk and text for $20 a month is a clear signal to the rest of the wireless carriers that they should not be ripping off people for the ability to do basic communication. At this stage in the game, data is the driver on the network. Verizon is just playing to people's fears with the unceasing commercials about botched phone calls to their loved ones.

The simple uncomplicated data pricing package that is uniform around the world sends another message in defense of consumers. It seems possible to make money without tricking people.

The entry price of the phone for Google Fi (over $600) is a little perplexing, but maybe it is just a matter of time before new policy takes place. There seems to be no technical reason for limiting the service to owners of Nexus 6, unless it is merely to sell phones.

While I don't think Google will catch the big 4 (which they swear they are not trying to do), it is possible they could surpass the 26 million subscribers to products of América Móvil (TracFone, NET10 Wireless, Straight Talk, SafeLink Wireless, SIMPLE Mobile and Telcel América). Mexico based, América Móvilis both the largest mobile operator in the Americas ( 289.4 million wireless subscribers, 34.3 million landlines, 22.6 million broadband accesses and 21.5 million PayTV units), but it is also the largest Mobil Virtual Network Operator in the USA.

In addition to pricing, they seem to be concentrating on the seamless switching from WiFi to different cellular networks. I have not heard of any new innovations. Maybe it is just too early.

I would especially like to hear from someone who has the service.

[kiplingif]

Bump. Anyone use this yet? Reviews seem a bit mixed online but the preponderance seem positive. It also looks like the initial reason for Nexus 6 only was so their tech people could focus on fixing bugs of just the one phone. I for one am hoping this Nexus 5 refresh will work on it as well since the 6 is just too big for me.

[NJBest]

I use it. It works as expected. It's really aggressive about hopping on wifi. I like that it does a speed test on wifi before hopping over.

However, I'm not a fan of the Nexus 6 so I don't use it often.

[kiplingif]

Any issues with the 6 beyond just the size?

[grimace8]

Originally Posted by NJBest

I use it. It works as expected. It's really aggressive about hopping on wifi.

Bump

I heard the opposite; that it always wants to hop to cellular. I'm waiting to hear back from Huawei's internal PR department

[sokor]

I think I so wanted to try it, it looks attractive. but whether to use nexus 6?

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by kiplingif

I for one am hoping this Nexus 5 refresh will work on it as well since the 6 is just too big for me.

Their website offers these device options now. They offer interest free 2 year payments.

Device Buy today + applicable taxes Pay over 24 months + applicable taxes
Nexus 5X - 16GB $379 $15.79/month for 24 months
Nexus 5X - 32GB $429 $17.88/month for 24 months
Nexus 6P - 32 GB $499 $20.79/month for 24 months
Nexus 6P - 64 GB $549 $22.88/month for 24 months
Nexus 6P - 128GB $649 $27.04/month for 24 months

Our one simple plan starts with the Fi Basics for $20/month. It includes unlimited domestic talk and text, unlimited international texts, Wi-Fi tethering to use your phone as a hotspot, and access cellular coverage in 120+ countries.

If you go over, you'll still get full-speed data and data is charged at the same $10 per GB rate. For example, if you go over your data budget by 350MB, $3.50 will be added to your next bill.

-----------
Comparison (cost of phone not included)
Verizon prepaid $30 /mo Unlimited* talk and text and Wi-Fi Only data
Verizon prepaid $45 /mo Unlimited* talk and text and 1 GB of data

Google Fi
$20 Basic plan
$10 One Gb
$15.79 for 24 months Nexus 5X - 16GB
------
$45.79 for 24 months then $30 afterwards

So Google Fi is less than Verizon Prepaid. Verizon Postpaid is $5 more plus $3 additional fees.

When Google Fi was first advertised, I thought the buy in at $650 per phone was too high, but now that there are cheaper options and a 24 month interest free payment plan, it is price competitive with many other plans. Plus if you are the kind of person who can keep a phone for 4-5 years, the payback is very good.

[grimace8]

PacoMartin, can you be my special guest on this show? http://is.gd/GoogleFidiscussion12312015 You really seem to know a lot!