Rumors have been swirling for months, and they've finally reached critical mass. With the official unveiling of Project Fi, Google has become a mobile virtual network operator. Technically, the new service acts as a sort of manager that moves our wireless connection from one cellular network to another, always seeking the fastest speed, and it offers both unlimited calls and unlimited texts.
We knew it was only a matter of time before Google decided to enter the mobile market not just on the hardware side, but also claiming a spot among providers. The official definition for Project Fi is a “mobile virtual network operator,” similar to what Tuenti Móvil is today in Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Argentina. This means Google isn't installing its own mobile infrastructure; instead, it has struck deals with traditional carriers to deliver services over their networks. According to the official site, Project Fi taps into Sprint and T-Mobile, so the entire initial phase will run as a US-only service.
How Project Fi Works and What It Costs
The best part is that Project Fi isn't tied to a single network—it can hop between authorized carriers and WiFi hotspots to give you the best possible connection. This switching might take a toll on your smartphone's battery, but Google says the impact is minimal. So what exactly does Project Fi offer? Unlimited domestic voice and text, unlimited international texting, WiFi tethering to turn your phone into a hotspot, and cellular coverage in more than 120 countries (at 3G speeds, with calls at 20 cents per minute). The base price is $20 (excluding taxes), and each additional gigabyte of data costs $10, following a “pay what you use” model. In other words, if you use 0.6 GB in a month, Project Fi will charge you just six dollars and credit the difference toward the next billing cycle. There are no annual fees or early termination penalties. One of Project Fi's core pillars is Hangouts. If you'd like, you can link your phone number to your Gmail account and send or receive calls and texts from other Hangouts-compatible devices, all through that same account.
Limitations and First Impressions
It's certainly good news that Google has become a virtual operator, since it ramps up competition in a market that tends toward monopolies. However, not everything that glitters is gold. Beyond being limited (for now) to the United States, Project Fi only works with Nexus 6 smartphones. I imagine Google needs tight control over hardware and software to make Project Fi deliver on its promises, and the best way to get that is to use its latest flagship, updated to the newest Android version, as the spearhead. On the other hand, Project Fi becomes a budget-friendly option only if you can keep your cellular data usage in check. That $10-per-gigabyte rate looks like a great deal with some discipline, or a downfall if we let the “HD fest” run wild. How has the reception been so far? The general vibe is curiosity. There are services like Republic Wireless that are very competitive in the US, but ultimately, what everyone really wants is an unlimited, full-speed, affordable data plan. We'll have to keep waiting.
