Project Fi
| Project Fi | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Mobile data and voice |
| Location |
|
| GSM / CDMA / HSPA+ / LTE | |
| Use | Wireless smartphone service |
| Owner | |
| Operator | Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Three |
| Established | 22 April 2015 |
| Current status | Operational |
| Commercial? | Yes |
| Website | fi |
Project Fi is a mobile virtual network operator owned by Google, providing wireless phone and data services using Wi-Fi and cellular networks belonging to Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Three. Google's efforts in this area have been characterized as an attempt to unify the world's wireless networks.
The service automatically switches between networks depending on signal strength and speed, and automatically connects to open Wi-Fi hotspots that meet certain criteria while securing data with encryption through an automatic VPN. Phone calls, if placed over a Wi-Fi connection, will seamlessly transition to a cellular network if Wi-Fi coverage is lost.
Project Fi also allows users to send and receive text messages and phone calls from any device that can use Google Hangouts, including phones, tablets, and computers. These services work regardless of whether the Project Fi phone is powered on or off.
Users of Project Fi can use their service in more than 135 countries with access to high speed data (up to 4G LTE) and Wi-Fi calling billed at domestic rates, as well as free unlimited text messaging. Cellular phone calls are available at $0.20 per minute while outside of the U.S.
Monthly plans are flat fee-based, paid at the beginning of each monthly billing cycle and start at $20.00 per month for unlimited voice and messaging and an additional $10.00 per GB of data. Unused data is credited $10.00/GB ($0.01/MB) on the customer's next invoice, while extra data is charged at $10.00/GB ($0.01/MB).
In October 2016, Project Fi announced Group Plans, which allow users to be able to manage sub accounts with one "owner" and many "managers" or "users." Subordinate users are $15 per line for Unlimited Talk and Text while data remains the prorated $10.00 per GB of data. The plans also allow owners to shut off the data of their users as well as their international service capabilities.
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Wikipedia