If you’re looking for a new cell network, an unlikely source offers one of the more affordable options out there: Google. The company operates as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) calledGoogle Fi Wirelessthat uses a combination of existing networks including T-Mobile and other international carriers to keep your smartphone connected.
How to set up an eSIM on Google Fi
Setting up a Google Fi connection on a new phone is basically as simple as downloading an app.
1You only have to pay for the data you use
Fi offers multiple types of plans, including one where you only pay for the data you need
Google Fi Wireless offers unlimited plans like any other modern cell service provider, but the network’s earliest and unique offering is its Flexible plan, which gets you unlimited calls and text for $20 per month, and then tacks on an additional $10 a month for each gigabyte of data you use, up to 15GB. Afterward, your data is slowed, but you’re not charged anymore.
Depending on how often you’re connected to Wi-Fi or use your phone online, the Flexible plan can offer some real savings over a traditional carrier. There’s a real expectation that customers will pay for things they won’t use, and it’s to Fi’s credit that it tries to create a different arrangement. Since Google makes it pretty easy toswitch plans on the fly, you could also use a Flexible plan when you’re at home, and then switch to an Unlimited plan when you travel to maximize your savings.
What is an MVNO and how is it different from a regular carrier?
You’ve probably been exposed to all kinds of MVNOs without even knowing.
2It’s easy to switch service to a new device
All you need is an app and your account login
What’s great about the Fi app is it’s also the fastest way to move your service between phones.
This feature alone has made it exceedingly easy to use Fi while reviewing and testing new Android devices for work. The advent of eSIM has made switching between iPhones easier too, but I was consistently impressed at how seamless Google Fi Wireless was. I never had to worry about logging in to a separate carrier account or holding on to a specific passcode to move my phone number from one device to another. It just worked.
Does Google Fi offer eSIM?
eSIM has advantages and disadvantages over physical SIM cards.
3Coverage is consistent thanks to T-Mobile, and it works abroad
There are disadvantages to using an MVNO, but coverage isn’t one of them
MVNOs are often the first to be throttled when demand is high on a network. It only makes sense that if Google is licensing network space from T-Mobile, it would be throttled before T-Mobile’s customers are. Even with that possibility, the advantage of T-Mobile’s network after acquiring Sprint is it now covers the vast majority of the United States.
Thanks to deals Google’s made with carriers in Europe and Asia, you should also be covered if you travel abroad, as well, provided you’ve signed up for one of the company’s Unlimited plans. Google Fi Wireless might occasionally offer slower speeds, but you can rest assured you’ll have cell service in the vast majority of places, especially in North America.
Which carrier network does Google Fi use?
Google Fi’s infrastructure isn’t necessarily its very own. But, you’re probably familiar with its popular carrier partner.
4Security features should give you some peace of mind while calling and browsing
Google bakes in services like a VPN at no additional cost
An extra advantage Google Fi Wireless has over other carriers and MVNOs is built-in security. Alongside cell service, Google also bundles in a VPN that encrypts and anonymizes the web browsing data of any phone on a Fi plan. That could offer more protection from target advertising and give you some peace of mind while using your phone.
What is a VPN and what do they do?
VPNs are a middleman between your computer or phone and the wider internet.
5Google Fi makes it easy to share data with another device, just by ordering another SIM
The data you pay for is yours to use how you choose
This data-only SIM card won’t let you make calls if slotted into another phone. It’s specifically for using your data on a secondary device, like a tablet.
I was able to use my Fi plan to connect myRabbit R1to the internet while testing it for an article. It feels sort of radical that Fi lets you use the data you pay for how you choose, and I’ve always appreciated that it gave me the option when other carriers wouldn’t.
eSIM on Android: What it means, how to set it up or transfer to a new phone
Physical SIM cards will soon be a thing of the past. Here’s what you need to know about your eSIM future.
Google Fi Wireless is one of the company’s most consistent products
In a time when Google seems to be actively degrading some of its core competencies like web search in the pursuit of tech trends, it’s nice when something as deceptively complex as cell service can work well. I’m glad that Google managed not to mess up Google Fi after all of these years. Sure, the machinations of the telecommunications industry have changed the pitch of Google Fi Wireless from what it originally launched as, but if it can offer a deal and features that just work, how could I really complain at this point?
For more information on how you can save money on your phone plan, we have an article onprepaid phone plansto peruse, and an in-depth look at one of Google Fi’s competitors,Mint Mobile, that is well worth reading.
