Google Fi's new 'super network' does something traditional carriers will never be able to rival
Starting this week, Google Fi subscribers with "eligible" Pixel phones can take advantage of the MVNO's new network switching trick to improve their coverage.
Can you imagine Verizon and T-Mobile working together for the benefit of their users? That's simply inconceivable in today's cutthroat US wireless landscape, and even though the same goes for any potential collaboration between one of those two industry top dogs and AT&T as well, Google seems to have somehow managed to get two of "America's best 5G" mobile network operators to unite their forces towards a common and very noble goal.
Starting this week, Google Fi subscribers can tap into an all-new "super network" without lifting a finger, paying anything extra, or even realizing, as the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) now supports automatic switching between "two of America's fastest 5G networks"... on eligible devices.
How does the groundbreaking technology work?
In short, pretty simple, but if you know a thing or two about the US wireless industry, you'll immediately understand how hard it must have been for Google to make the rollout of this "super network" possible behind the scenes.
Basically, the idea is to cover one network's inherent availability gaps with a backup, and automatically switch back and forth between the two depending on which one delivers the strongest and most reliable signal in your area even as you travel across the nation.
If this whole concept happens to sound familiar, that might be because Google Fi actually used very similar technology (without the "super network" advertising label) back at its 2015 launch to leverage both T-Mobile and Sprint's coverage. That obviously ended when Sprint was retired, and curiously enough, the names of Google Fi's two new partner operators are not mentioned anywhere on the MVNO's website.
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Clearly, T-Mobile is one of them, while the other... could be anyone. But whether it's Verizon or AT&T (yes, that's the entire list), the added support will undoubtedly improve the user experience of quite a few Google Fi subscribers... owning a relatively new Pixel handset.
What do you need to do to get "super network" access?
Not much, believe it or not, although support is currently limited to Pixel 9 and "newer phones" from Google. That's definitely bad news for Google Fi users with new and expensive iPhones or Samsung Galaxy handsets in their possession, but that's what occasionally happens when you pay for a service from Big G.
The Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 are among the very few phones currently supporting Google Fi's super network. | Image by PhoneArena
Speaking of paying, I must stress that the "super network" feature is included in all Google Fi plans for both new and existing customers at no extra charge. Yes, I'm talking everything from the top-of-the-line $65 a month Unlimited Premium option to the entry-level $20 a month Flexible plan.
Now that's a great move on Google's part, especially in a day and age when "traditional" wireless carriers seem to be constantly looking for new ways to charge higher and higher taxes and fees for the most basic features and add-ons.
That's not all that makes Google Fi special
Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ is without a doubt the other big weapon in Google's Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T-rivaling arsenal, and this one is both available on Pixel devices and now rolling out to "select" Samsung and Motorola phones.
Just like network switching, this cutting-edge tool works both domestically and internationally, seamlessly and securely connecting Google Fi users to millions of high-quality Wi-Fi networks where such a signal is likely to provide a key speed or reliability benefit over a 5G network (or two).
Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ is included in Unlimited Premium and Flexible plans at no extra cost too, so if you're thinking of ditching your current carrier, you might want to check out our comprehensive recent Google Fi review and also consider the newly added "super network" benefit before making your choice.
Here are other articles about America's top wireless service providers:
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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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