Google has just unveiled Project Fi, the Mountain View company’s most ambitious foray into the world of mobile networks and carriers. Termed a “network of networks”, Project Fi is all about making connectivity seamless, which Google hopes to achieve by letting you access multiple networks at the same time, mainly by taking technology out of the way of the experience. The “network of networks” currently works only on the Nexus 6, which has support for most of the 4G networks around the world and will house the special SIM which, in the US, will support two 4G capable networks, T-Mobile and Sprint. With an unbelievably simple plan, Google hopes to make connectivity, with international roaming in 120+ countries enabled, less of a hassle.
Project Fi, as a Mobile Virtual Network operator, will be using the infrastructure of two mobile networks in the USA, free WiFi hotspots from a quality-rated database and the various other networks that Google has done deals with, around the world. If you are using Project Fi, your device can connect with any of those networks to provide you the standard mobile services of voice, text and data. The plans make it even better.
Unlike many confusing tariffs from carriers, the no-contract obligation is split into two parts. One is Fi Basics ($20 per month), which offers unlimited local calls and texts, unlimited international texts, Wifi tethering and international roaming in 120+ countries. Data costs $10 for 1 GB, $20 for 2 GB and so on, with the user paying only for the data used. There are no unlimited plans for data, but say, you use only 300 MB in a month, Project Fi will charge you only 3$ and refund the 7$ in your next bill. The same data pricing applies to international roaming too, which makes a great case for Project Fi as a frequent traveler’s choice.
Google is also keen to mention that the device will switch to WiFi networks whenever possible, and does voice and texts over the same through an encrypted VPN. The virtual network is basically the same thing they do with the existing mobile networks too, enabling the unique possibility of switching between them. The free WiFi hotspots are automatically connected, and are derived from a rated database, maintained by Google. Calls will transition between WiFi and cellular networks, if needed, and Google says it will be seamless and invisible from the user. There is also the ability to use other devices that support hangouts, for making voice calls and text. Understandably, Hangouts alone has the underlying code to handle Project Fi, which works across platforms, so basically, you will be able to use it on an iPhone too, but just through the Hangouts app.
In case you are wondering if it will be available in India, it already is, as a part of international roaming in 120+ countries. But the 20$ plan will not include free calls, they would cost 20 cents per minute, while texts will be free. Data is the same 10$ per GB, but the speed is capped at 256 Kbps over 3G. Until it comes to India, it seems like Project Fi will be great for frequent travelers wanting the same number everywhere. Project Fi could be the greatest wake up call for an abusive carrier market in the US though, which started showing signs of change with T Mobile, an active partner in this project. Interesting months ahead!
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