Check Out These Contract-free Plans by Google Fi

Whether you need a product to automate your home, a flagship smartphone, or a search engine to find your next holiday destination, Google excels in offering each of these services and more. A more recent addition to this range of services is Google Fi. While the phone plans are available at a certain cost, you don’t need to sign a contract. Herein, we discuss the various perks that come as part of the phone plans offered by Google Fi.
Google Fi
Earlier known as Project Fi, Google Fi is a mobile virtual network operator that lets users make and receive calls, send text messages, and use high-speed internet. This wireless service was designed by Google to enter the telecommunications market. Google Fi runs on T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks but is not owned by these companies.
Activation
Google Fi’s registration process is simple and can be done online. To start using the wireless service, just visit the official website, sign up, and select the phone plan and number of lines you require. You can even transfer your existing number to Google Fi, provided the original carrier allows a switch. The switch is complete when you activate Fi’s services on the phone; the setup is generally complete within a few minutes.
Phone plans and costs
There are three plans you can sign up for with Google Fi: two are unlimited, and one is a pay-as-you-go plan. Furthermore, you should know that the international features of each package differ. So check the terms and conditions before signing up for one. That said, here’s an insight into each Google Fi package on their website:
Simply Unlimited Plan
The Simply Unlimited plan is ideal for internet users and not callers. Plans start at around $50 instead of the original price of $60 when you pay for one user. But prices can reduce to around $20 a user when you purchase 4-6 lines. The package includes unlimited data up to 35 Gb, after which the data speed is reduced. Around 5 Gb per month of hotspot tethering is also included in the cost of Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited phone plan. Other benefits include unlimited data, text, and calls within the country.
Unlimited Plus Plan
If you travel frequently, use more data, and prefer unlimited hotspot tethering, the Unlimited Plus plan is a perfect choice. Prices start at around $65 per user, which saves $10 from its original price; the deal features unlimited data in the country. You can also pay a reduced price of $40 per user on purchases of 4-6 lines from Google Fi. The data speed will reduce after you hit the 50 Gb mark. As for the hotspot, the Google Fi cell phone plan comes with unlimited tethering, with the data included for tablets and other devices. You will also receive 100 Gb of cloud storage that you can use to capture and store memories wirelessly wherever you go.
Flexible Plan
This plan falls under the pay-as-you-go section and is suitable for users who only want to pay for the data they use during the day. You can pay as low as around $16 a user when you opt for six phone lines, with an additional $10/Gb. The Flexible plan also comes with Bill Protection, where the data slows down once you use 15 Gb, so you do not pay more than a specific price. Even hotspot tethering is available at $10/Gb with Bill Protection.
Family features
Each Google Fi phone plan you purchase comes with these free family features.
- The Fi app helps you manage a maximum of six users on your plan, monitor data usage, and create data alerts.
- You can block calls and texts from strangers on an Android phone being used by a child and allow only trusted contacts to contact your kids.
- Setting up a data budget for kids can be done to determine how much they can use before it slows down. The cap will ensure reduced expenditure on data each month.
- Location sharing on the Fi app is available for a set time or until the setting is turned off. This feature will allow users to share their location so that other family members are aware of where they are in case of an emergency.
- Implement rules with the Google Family Link to set screen time limits, content filters, and review apps on your kid’s Android phone before they are downloaded.
Drawbacks
Considering Google Fi’s footprint in the telecommunications industry, there are certain limitations to be aware of:
- Only a few Google Pixel phones and other brands are compatible with the wireless service. However, many other smartphones are not yet compatible with Google Fi.
- The pay-as-you-go deal is not the cheapest data option in the market.
- Google Fi’s reach is limited and is only available to customers in the country.
Benefits
There are a couple of benefits that Google Fi offers.
- You can order a SIM card on Google Fi’s official website for free when purchasing one of their phone plans.
- Google does not offer a contract, so you have the freedom to change or cancel their service whenever you please.
- The price doesn’t change if you connect to the internet in more than 200 countries and get free unlimited texting.
- Phone calls made internationally are offered by Fi at 20 cents a minute when you’re disconnected from Wi-Fi, which is still a good deal.
Cancellation
Google Fi allows you to cancel their service anytime, without any termination fees. Furthermore, you can also reactivate the service or suspend it temporarily if you do not want to cancel Fi. If you’ve taken a group plan, you must leave or remove members before initiating the cancellation process. If Google Fi finances your device, you will be charged the complete balance when you cancel the service.