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Google Launches Project Fi Mobile Phone Service

Posted by samzenpus on from the new-carrier-in-town dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Google unveiled today a new cell phone service called Project Fi. It offers the same basic functionality as traditional wireless carriers, such as voice, text and Internet access, but at a lower price than most common plans. From the article: "Google hopes to stand out by changing the way it charges customers. Typically, smartphone owners pay wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon a bulk rate for a certain amount of data. Google says it will let customers pay for only what data they use on their phones, from doing things like making calls, listening to music and using apps, potentially saving them significant amounts of money. For now, the program is invite-only and will only be available on Google's Nexus 6 smartphone."

5 of 112 comments (clear)

  1. Too expensive. by BenJeremy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    $50 a month to match my son's BoostMobile plan, except he still gets data (at 2G speeds) after he exceeds his limit, and pays $40/month.

    Come on, Google, you used to be cool.

  2. Google should just buy Sprint and T-Mo by swb · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Google should just buy Sprint and T-Mobile, merge their networks to optimize their coverage footprints and backhaul and then sell this plan to anyone and any device.

  3. tethering by bigmo · · Score: 5, Interesting

    One plus is the ability to tether. I have to pay an extra $50 a month with Verizon for a jet pack. This would cut that out entirely.

  4. Re:$10/GB is a bit pricey by Ichijo · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The $10/GB should be free (or cheap) during times of light data traffic on the cellular network, similar to "unlimited nights and weekends" voice plans.

    --
    Any sufficiently unpopular but cohesive argument is indistinguishable from trolling.
  5. At least someone finally recognized by sabbede · · Score: 3, Interesting

    that it's all just data. It's absurd the way carriers have been pretending voice and data are somehow different.