Google introduces Project Fi; $20 unlimited talk and text, $10 per GB of data

Google has made it official. As expected, the tech titan has introduced its Project Fi MVNO that will offer consumers wireless service in the U.S. using cellular networks belonging to Sprint and T-Mobile. In addition, Google will also use Wi-Fi networks when available. New technology devised by Google will connect subscribers to the fastest network possible at any given moment, regardless if it is a Wi-Fi connection or a cellular one.

The service will choose from more than 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots verified as being "fast and reliable" by Google. Once connected, the signals will be encrypted. Calls will be seamlessly handed over from Wi-Fi to cellular. Customers' Project Fi phone numbers are stored in the cloud, so they can be used on any device that supports Google Hangouts.

The only phone that will be offered to subscribers is the Motorola-built Nexus 6. When using a cellular network, the phablet will use a special technology that will connect to either a T-Mobile or Sprint signal depending on which one is stronger at the time. The handset will be available in the "Midnight Blue" color with either 32GB of storage or 64GB of memory. You can pay for the phone at one time, which works out to $649 or $699, respectively. There is an option that will allow you to pay $27.04 monthly over 24 months for the 32GB model, or $29.12 a month over 24 months for the 64GB version. A credit check is required with this option. Those already sporting a Nexus 6 can use it with Project Fi simply by inserting a special SIM card into the phone.

According to reports, Google has promised Sprint that traffic coming from the MVNO would not go over a certain metric. If that figure is exceeded, Sprint will have the right to renegotiate its contract. As for T-Mobile, not all of the carrier's features, like HD Voice or Wi-Fi calling, will be available to Google's MVNO users. 

Google will charge $20 a month plus taxes and fees for unlimited domestic voice and texting, unlimited international texting, low-cost international calls, Wi-Fi tethering and coverage in more than 120 countries. Data will cost $10 per GB with overages billed at the same rate. At the end of each month, you are credited in dollars and cents for any unused data.

Right now, the only way to become a customer of Google's MVNO is via an invitation. You can request one by checking out the Project Fi website, which you will see by clicking on the sourcelink.


source: Google, ProjectFi via FierceWireless