Project Fi is now Google Fi and is available for most Android phones and iPhones

What is Google Fi

Google Fi previously known as Project Fi is Google’s attempt at offering its own cellular service. With Google Fi your phone will get access to 3 different 4G LTE networks, unlimited calls + texts, no roaming fees in 170+ destinations, and access to over 2 million secure Wi-Fi hotspots. In theory, this means your phone should hop between network to network and Wi-Fi hotspots ensuring you have the fastest available connection and best coverage.

What Phones are Available for Google Fi

For the past 3 years in order to take advantage of this service, you were required to use one of the Project Fi approved phones. Today that all changes as Google rebrands the service to Google Fi and opens it up to most Android phones and even iPhones. To see if your phone is supported refer to this compatibility checker from the Google Fi site.

Unfortunately, there is a catch, as Google states only phones designed specifically for Fi such as the Google Pixel 3 and select others will take full advantage of the service. This includes seamlessly switching between cellular networks, support for Wi-Fi calling, access to Google Fi’s VPN service, and automatically connecting to secure Wi-Fi hotspots.

Other phones designed for Google Fi besides the Pixel include the LG G7, LG V35, Moto G6, and Moto X4. They can be purchased through the Google Fi website where for November 28 only Google is celebrating by offering travel gift cards with purchase. The gift cards will match the same amount spent on the phone and are available from Airbnb, Delta Air Lines, Hotels.com, and Southwest Airlines.

How Much Does Google Fi Cost

While the service has opened up to more phones the plan itself has gone unchanged. As in the past, the plan starts $20 for unlimited minutes and texts for the first person and $15 for each additional person. Data is charged separately at $10 per gigabyte until you reach 6GB where Bill Protection kicks in and data is free for the rest of the month. However, once you hit 15GB your speeds will be throttled.

Should you Switch to Google Fi

If you’ve ever been interested in the Fi service in the past and you are a frequent traveler, today would be the best day to buy a phone through them. If you’ve been curious about the plan in the past but don’t own a Fi specific phone, then you’ll have more to contemplate. Google Fi offers one of a kind coverage but without a Fi specific phone, you won’t be able to take full advantage of the service. The pricing is also not that competitive when compared to some other networks.

Join Google Fi

by Jason England via AndroidGuys