Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm thinking about ditching tracfone when my minutes/airtime expire and subscribing to Google FI. It is a bit more expensive but I am intrigued by the notion you can use three major carriers and wi-fi hotspots on the phone. I live in a rural area and it is really "spotty" when tied to one carrier. I recently tried an ATT based tracfone and it didn't work out at my home but it was really good in the immediate area. (I could drive a mile from my house and get more bars than I did on my Verizon based phone)
My question is this; Anyone use Google Fi and are you happy with them?
According to Wikipedia, Google Fi uses Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Three UK. It sounds to me like that would work best for people in cities. I can't see how rural areas could have more or better coverage with those than with Verizon or ATT.
According to Wikipedia, Google Fi uses Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Three UK. It sounds to me like that would work best for people in cities. I can't see how rural areas could have more or better coverage with those than with Verizon or ATT.
Ah, I didn't know which networks they used. Looks like a "no go" where I'm at. I really appreciate the response Noodlecat, you saved me some time, aggravation and money.
The 4 major carriers in the US are Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile. and Sprint. They own the vast majority of the cell towers, with Verizon and AT&T having more coverage in more rural areas. I believe U.S. Cellular owns a few towers but not many. Other MVNOs (resellers) like Tracfone, Cricket, etc. have no towers of their own at all but instead buy and resell airtime from the big 4.
If you are looking for better signal at your house, you might check locally for a small regional MVNO. There may be one in or near your area that has a few of their own towers and also either buys airtime from one of the big 4 or has roaming agreements with them.
Not worth it. Mint Mobile is not only cheaper but uses the same services as Google FI with Tmobile. Sprint isn't used but that's ok because Sprints spectrum sucks.
Sprint isn't used but that's ok because Sprints spectrum sucks.
Unless you're in a major city... I was just in NYC and I was getting 260mbps. Band 41 w/ mimo is impressive. My Verizon phone doesn't get close to that. I don't have T-Mobile to compare.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.