Google cell phone: Project Fi

[Dovdovmoneytree]

Update on above:

I finally toke my time and chatted with Google Fi about the service issues. The rep had me dial a specific code to check who my coverage is with, came up as sprint. then had me enter a special code to switch it to T-Mobile. Works like a charm now.

Finally haggled with him about a credit for more then a year of bad coverage. Initially he said his supervisor denied the request, then after more complaints and mentioning my intent to file a claim with the NYS AG he came back saying they will issue a service credit and I should contact them after the current bill is generated.

Glad it's finally working for you! I'm just curious; don't the Fi phones automatically switch to the strongest network?? Why the need to enter codes? Unless you weren't using a phone actually developed for Fi (only a compatible phone)?

[Dovdovmoneytree]

I personally like it mostly (other than some spotty service in Monsey). If you are not an avid traveler there may be cheaper options though...

Thanks. We are not big travelers. What cheaper options are there? Need max 5-6 GB shared.

[skyguy918]

Didn't see a thread specifically for the Google Fi deals going on right now, so I'll try here first.

How do I qualify for the $200 discount as a new Fi customer?
...
You must also bring/transfer your number to Fi within 30 days of the shipment confirmation email. Fi-to-Fi number transfers are not eligible.

Is there a way to get a number eligible for this transfer requirement for free?

[cozmohoot]

Metropcs is also giving a 200 dollar Visa if you activate their service online... nice deals.

[Abe100]

So, I'm feeling done with Google Fi... Tons of calls not being received. I just called home and my wife asked me where I'm calling from, because the ID displayed a complete diff number.

I received zero incoming calls today, but when I check my history online it does shows incoming calls. I don't know why this keeps on happening. I feel ready to switch back to VZ wireless. I guess quality should be a priority before pricing

Question: Is there a way I can keep the Fi Plan for data only, for when I'm travelling? I have an old phone that I can use as a fi data only device. Does Fi require a line in order to get data only?

Also, I'm paying monthly for insurance and my screen cracked a while ago. Can I submit a claim today to get a new device even if I cancel service today?

[grodnoking]

So, I'm feeling done with Google Fi... Tons of calls not being received. I just called home and my wife asked me where I'm calling from, because the ID displayed a complete diff number.

I received zero incoming calls today, but when I check my history online it does shows incoming calls. I don't know why this keeps on happening.

Same thing with Google Voice. I see calls in the history that never rang or showed up as a missed call from notifications.

[Abe100]

Same thing with Google Voice. I see calls in the history that never rang or showed up as a missed call from notifications.

I was alerted when I was getting voicemails and the phone didn't show missed calls

[grodnoking]

I was alerted when I was getting voicemails and the phone didn't show missed calls

Same

[JudahMcB]

Question: Is there a way I can keep the Fi Plane as a data only plan for when I'm travelling? I have an old phone that I can use as a fi data only device. Does Fi require a line in order to get data only?

I think you need at least 1 voice line. Before you switch away from Fi, add a new line (with a random phone number), then port your existing one. You can then pause your Fi service for 90 days at a time. Unpause it when you are traveling and only pay for the days (and MBs of data) that you use. A 7 day international trip for example will only cost you ~$6 for the line plus $0.01/MB for data ($20 + tax / 30 * 7 days). Pause it again when your trip is over. If there's a 90-day stretch where you aren't traveling just unpause it for one day - your bill should just be a couple cents. Another advantage to this is you can get 4 additional data only SIMs for free (no line charge) for other people in your family.

[Abe100]

I think you need at least 1 voice line. Before you switch away from Fi, add a new line (with a random phone number), then port your existing one. You can then pause your Fi service for 90 days at a time. Unpause it when you are traveling and only pay for the days (and MBs of data) that you use. A 7 day international trip for example will only cost you ~$6 for the line plus $0.01/MB for data ($20 + tax / 30 * 7 days). Pause it again when your trip is over. If there's a 90-day stretch where you aren't traveling just unpause it for one day - your bill should just be a couple cents. Another advantage to this is you can get 4 additional data only SIMs for free (no line charge) for other people in your family.

Thanks. I don't travel often so I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle though.

Any idea on how to utilize the device insurance?

[Mikes@Micro]

I am considering switching to google fi, but have a few non FA, Questions:
1) After activating on an unlocked iPhone with the app, can I pop the SIM into a flip phone?
2) Are the reliability issues mentioned above fixed?
3) Mixed info online if international calling is still free. Any first hand data?
4) Can the plan still be paused 8 out of 12 month a yr or is there a limit?
5) While the plan is paused is it possible to send/ receive text messages on voice.google.com?

Thanks!

[JudahMcB]

1. Yes if it's a GSM phone

2. I haven't had any issues

3. Haven't tried

4. Yes. You can pause it and it will automatically unpause every 90 days. But you can go ahead and pause it again on the 90th day to get another 90 days. AFAIK, there is no limit to the number of times you can pause or the number of days you can be paused per year.

5. No

[Mikes@Micro]

5) While the plan is paused is it possible to send/ receive text messages on voice.google.com?

Thanks!

1. Yes if it's a GSM phone
5. No

Thank you!

Do they only use Sprint and T-mobile or also Verizons network?

Does anyone know a way to have a number on FI and Google Voice simultaneously?

[JudahMcB]

Do they only use Sprint and T-mobile or also Verizons network?

Sprint, TMobile and US Cellular. No Verizon.

Does anyone know a way to have a number on FI and Google Voice simultaneously?

Not possible

[Mikes@Micro]

Are calls when travelling now $0.20 / min or am I reading this wrong?
https://fi.google.com/about/international-rates?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=dr-2021-evergreen&utm_content=q3-2021_hybrid:campaign_hybrid:device_bkws_exact_na_text_na_na_na&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnJaKBhDgARIsAHmvz6f2rA-mT_7VPnJTBLyTI_Z7oQfPMhYcRDPsysQPOLpCCkucGT9vG_gaAkVrEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#

[pcgeek]

Are calls when travelling now $0.20 / min or am I reading this wrong?
https://fi.google.com/about/international-rates?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=dr-2021-evergreen&utm_content=q3-2021_hybrid:campaign_hybrid:device_bkws_exact_na_text_na_na_na&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnJaKBhDgARIsAHmvz6f2rA-mT_7VPnJTBLyTI_Z7oQfPMhYcRDPsysQPOLpCCkucGT9vG_gaAkVrEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#

Where do you see that?

[Yo ssi]

[Mikes@Micro]

This is a deal breaker.... anyone know how to get the old plan?

[BarryLincoln]

Thought calls when traveling were always $.20/min when traveling under the basic plan, no?

[Ergel]

Thought calls when traveling were always $.20/min when traveling under the basic plan, no?

Yup, but why would you ever need to make non-VOIP calls?