# Google Project Fi: The pros and cons of a Google cellular plan **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 28, 2015, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986 "2015-10-28T16:38:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/21 "2015-10-31T20:16:57Z")
> [@Jake\_Jones](#): > > Maybe, but you’ll get much better resale value on the 6P if you hate it. Which you won’t. > > Honestly, we’re like the same person. You will get the 6P and be like “fuck, this thing is way too big to be a phone” and then an hour later you will be in love with a computer that you can hold in your hand. If you have big hands. I just stopped by a Sprint store while I was out on a stroll to try the Nexus 6. It’s pretty damn big, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I didn’t feel like I had a ton of difficulty using it, even with one hand and with the anti-theft tether attached. That, and the screen was gorgeous and it was smooth as butter. By all accounts, the 6P improves on it in every way, so yeah, I think I might just take a leap of faith and spring for the 6P. > [@Jake\_Jones](#): > > Did you go through the order process at Google Store? I had an invite before, but you may just get an option for a Project Fi SIM card kit. If not, you can abandon the order and that might not be a terrible way to tell Google you want in on Project Fi. Never tried, I just thought that you couldn’t do the financing option without a Project Fi invite, since the ToC says that you need a Fi account to get the financing. Just tried to check out from the Google Play store and it threw a “try again later” error. My guess is that they’re getting slammed. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2015, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/22 "2015-10-31T21:31:39Z")
> [@Jake\_Jones](#): > > Google is using Sprint and T-Mobile as mobile data partners. > > As I mentioned, 1G is analog. I will bet you One Million Dollars that Verizon is not providing analog network service to consumers. They may be using 1G as code for “data service sucks here” but it is not providing analog service, which is synonymous with the actual meaning of 1G. I believe you. The phone says 1G on it. It’s odd, though, because it will go from 4G to 1G for a few minutes, then back again. Sprint and T-mobile have no coverage in my area, and AT&T is spotty. Verizon is the best of the bunch, unfortunately. ---
**Author:** ![dzeiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@dzeiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzeiger)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/23 "2015-11-01T02:36:47Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > I believe you. The phone says 1G on it. It’s odd, though, because it will go from 4G to 1G for a few minutes, then back again. > > Sprint and T-mobile have no coverage in my area, and AT&T is spotty. Verizon is the best of the bunch, unfortunately. 1G or 1X? I can’t find any hits for 1G, but indications are that Verizon uses 1X as a code for 2G-only signal. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/24 "2015-11-01T03:20:33Z")
> [@dzeiger](#): > > 1G or 1X? I can’t find any hits for 1G, but indications are that Verizon uses 1X as a code for 2G-only signal. Shit, I’m sorry. It is 1x. My bad. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/25 "2015-11-01T04:54:42Z")
> [@Renee](#): > > I believe you. The phone says 1G on it. It’s odd, though, because it will go from 4G to 1G for a few minutes, then back again. That is sometimes an indication that law enforcement is running a “dirtbox” in your area to tap a cell conversation. As both 3G and 4G are encrypted, they jam those frequencies to force cells in the area to drop to unencrypted 2G where they can be tapped. If you don’t believe me, [maybe you’ll believe a Jesuit priest.](https://youtu.be/3qK4EWK4NZk) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/26 "2015-11-05T02:44:13Z")
I guess it might have been 1X on mine, too. It is a Verizon phone, and the resolution is rather low. I may have just assumed it was a G, since it normally says 3G. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/27 "2015-11-05T05:28:06Z")
I was watching the [TWiT.tv](http://TWiT.tv) show \*All About Android \*(what can I say, I’m a giant geek!) and they had a news report from ComputerWorld titled "[Google researchers poke holes in Galaxy S6 Edge, show OEMs add risky code"](http://www.computerworld.com/article/3000662/mobile-security/google-researchers-poke-holes-in-galaxy-s6-edge-show-oems-add-risky-code.html) showing that the code added to Android by Samsung added 11 different security vulnerabilities to the OS. As far as I’m concerned, the less crap added by the hardware maker or the carrier the better - and this shows why. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2015, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/28 "2015-11-10T20:49:07Z")
Just got an invite for project fi. I put in my request right around the time this thread started and got the invite late last night. So not too bad a wait. Anyone have any experience with the plan they would like to share? ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2015, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/29 "2015-11-10T21:46:29Z")
I switched to Project Fi 2 weeks ago, after I received the phone/SIM card. (I went with the Nexus 5x). I am very happy with it. My previous provider was Virgin Mobile, and last summer I moved into a new place that sits in this dip. I asked around the community and no one had a good answer for a provider. A few did ok with a signal booster device from their provider, but still not great. I’d not held a phone conversation at home since the move without dropping the call. I’ve not had a problem since the switch. No dropped calls, fantastic sound quality. It’s incredibly easy to see what my usage is from the phone. I went with 2gb on top of the basic plan, and I suspect that will be higher than I need in a typical month. No regrets: I hope the service continues. ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2015, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/30 "2015-11-10T22:58:21Z")
I broke down and purchased a Nexus 6P, and I love it so far. My Project Fi invite came in yesterday, and I should receive my SIM card next week. Looks like I’ll also be able to provide some first hand data. I really like the idea that I can just jump to any carrier I want with this phone, in case Fi doesn’t work out. ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Jake\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Jones)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/31 "2015-11-11T04:46:18Z")
I’m very happy with my 6P and the Fi service. I’m so often at either work or home with WiFi at both that my data use over LTE is stupid-low. Locally, I haven’t had any problems with LTE connectivity. Data and voice over LTE is strong. I haven’t really traveled out to the sticks with my phone yet, but this is where Verizon has traditionally had a strong advantage over other carriers. This isn’t really important to me, but for those that it is, T-Mobile is rapidly expanding its coverage with (Band 12) 700MHz LTE. The 700MHz spectrum is the lowest frequency of LTE services (there are several bands in the spectrum) and the lower frequency means longer range and better building penetration. It’s supported by both new Nexus phones. Overall, I’m very happy with the phone, service and service fees. No regrets at all. Well, maybe one. I had to either adopt my Google Voice number and give up my carrier number (not happening after 17 years) or lose the Voice number. I did like having a local area code number I could use from my phone with the Voice app and I haven’t found a good replacement. A fairly minor trade-off. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/32 "2015-11-11T12:52:03Z")
> [@Jake\_Jones](#): > > I’m very happy with my 6P and the Fi service. I’m so often at either work or home with WiFi at both that my data use over LTE is stupid-low. Locally, I haven’t had any problems with LTE connectivity. Data and voice over LTE is strong. I haven’t really traveled out to the sticks with my phone yet, but this is where Verizon has traditionally had a strong advantage over other carriers. > > This isn’t really important to me, but for those that it is, T-Mobile is rapidly expanding its coverage with (Band 12) 700MHz LTE. The 700MHz spectrum is the lowest frequency of LTE services (there are several bands in the spectrum) and the lower frequency means longer range and better building penetration. It’s supported by both new Nexus phones. > > Overall, I’m very happy with the phone, service and service fees. No regrets at all. Well, maybe one. I had to either adopt my Google Voice number and give up my carrier number (not happening after 17 years) or lose the Voice number. I did like having a local area code number I could use from my phone with the Voice app and I haven’t found a good replacement. A fairly minor trade-off. Oh, that’s a bummer. Why can’t you keep both? I’m in a similar situation. ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/33 "2015-11-11T13:47:27Z")
Google appears to be discontinuing Voice, or merging it with Project Fi at least. Forcing users to choose between their GV number or their cell number has been a common complaint about Fi. That, and apparently they haven’t worked all the kinks out of the GV port process, so porting a Voice number is still peppered with various issues. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/34 "2015-11-11T14:53:11Z")
> [@oft\_wears\_hats](#): > > Google appears to be discontinuing Voice, or merging it with Project Fi at least. Forcing users to choose between their GV number or their cell number has been a common complaint about Fi. That, and apparently they haven’t worked all the kinks out of the GV port process, so porting a Voice number is still peppered with various issues. Bah. My job requires that I have a dedicated business line. I have getting around carrying two phones by using Google voice. This may actually be a deal breaker for me. ---
**Author:** ![Deeg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deeg/32/2955_2.png) [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/35 "2015-11-11T22:00:56Z")
> [@oft\_wears\_hats](#): > > Google appears to be discontinuing Voice, or merging it with Project Fi at least. Forcing users to choose between their GV number or their cell number has been a common complaint about Fi. That, and apparently they haven’t worked all the kinks out of the GV port process, so porting a Voice number is still peppered with various issues. Are you sure? I have no personal information but the wiki page on Google Voice doesn’t say anything about it being discontinued. ---
**Author:** ![leahcim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b4bc9f/32.png) [@leahcim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leahcim)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/36 "2015-11-11T22:15:51Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > Are you sure? I have no personal information but the wiki page on Google Voice doesn’t say anything about it being discontinued. I’ve been reading articles about how Google Voice is about to be shut down any moment now for at least five years now. It strikes me as a service they are keeping around because they want a toe-hold in the technology, even if they are not doing much with it. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2015, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/37 "2015-11-11T23:24:01Z")
> [@NAF1138](#): > > Bah. My job requires that I have a dedicated business line. I have getting around carrying two phones by using Google voice. This may actually be a deal breaker for me. Called project fi today (quick and easy!) and they said that as long as I port my phone number to a new google account before I activate my fi account I can use both numbers like I am doing now. I just need to sign in with my other google account on the google voice app. I’m willing to give it a shot on my current phone on the weekend. If that works then I’ll go ahead. ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/38 "2015-11-12T02:20:18Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > Are you sure? I have no personal information but the wiki page on Google Voice doesn’t say anything about it being discontinued. I’m not sure. Searches yield nothing, so I may be misremembering it. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2015, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/39 "2015-11-12T11:54:32Z")
My boss has project fi. He’s been very happy with it. In particular, he’s been happy with the international service in places like Turkey and India. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2015, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986/40 "2015-11-27T17:22:54Z")
For those of you who were waiting, there is a Black Friday special on the 5X - $80 off. 80 off Nexus 5X. [$299 for 16 GB, and $349 for 32 GB.](https://store.google.com/product/nexus_5x) Free shipping + 90 days of Google Music. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-project-fi-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-google-cellular-plan/735986.md?page=3)