Project Fi

Google Cell Service

By Anca Gagiuc on Jul 16, 2015 in Technology

Google is already Internet Service Provider and pay-TV operator. Now, it’s starting its adventure as mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Frankly, it was about time to be able to Google a phone call. The long-awaited cell phone service – Project Fi is finally here.

For now, the product can be considered an experiment; Even more so considering that it will be available only to people using Google’s flagship phone, the Nexus 6. This choice doesn’t only limit its reach, but also doesn’t make Google a serious competitor to Verizon, AT&T, and other wireless service providers.

The service offers the same basic functionality as traditional wireless carriers: voice, text, and Internet access – but at a lower price than many of the plans out there. It can be called an attempt to combine cellular calls and VoIP calls (like those offered by Skype) into one phone number and service.

“Wherever you’re connected to Wi-Fi — whether that’s at home, your favorite coffee shop or your Batcave — you can talk and text like you normally do,” wrote Nick Fox, Google’s vice president of communications products, in a blog post. “If you leave an area of Wi-Fi coverage, your call will seamlessly transition from Wi-Fi to cell networks so your conversation doesn’t skip a beat.”

Project Fi is designed to be able to switch between different high-speed wireless networks operated by Sprint and T-Mobile, choosing the stronger one in any given area. Moreover, phones on Project Fi will switch from cellular networks to Wi-Fi networks when available to place calls or access the Internet without using the customer’s data plans. The service will also bounce around between devices, allowing users to talk and text on smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Google won’t be building its own cell phone towers for this product. Instead, it will rent access to the networks of the two mentioned carriers, and then resell the service to consumers using its own branding.

Many wonder if the handoffs from one network to another will be as seamless as Google claims, and it is a very valid question. With or without hiccups, the service has every chance to make people think differently about wireless.

To use the service, one needs a Nexus 6, an active Gmail account, and an invitation. Project Fi will cost $20 per month for voice, text service, Wi-Fi tethering and international coverage in 120+ countries, plus a flat $10 per 1GB of cellular data.

“Since it’s hard to predict your data usage, you’ll get credit for the full value of your unused data,” according to the blog post. “Let’s say you go with 3GB for $30 and only use 1.4GB one month. You’ll get $16 back, so you only pay for what you use.”

Will Google’s new wireless offering be attractive to you as a consumer?