Google launched its Project Fi MVNO service, tapping Sprint, T-Mobile US and Wi-Fi
Following recent rumors, Google today unveiled the commercial launch of its Project Fi service, which taps cellular operators, Wi-Fi and the Motorola Nexus 6 device to offer mobile communication services. The move followed a report from The Wall Street Journal claiming the highly anticipated launch was imminent.
Sprint and T-Mobile US were named cellular partners for the service, with Google citing the availability of “more than a million free, open Wi-Fi hotspots we’ve verified as fast and reliable” to handle the non-cellular needs. Google added that the service will automatically encrypt data sessions conducted over one of the verified Wi-Fi connections.
The cellular network offering boasts the ability to work across either Sprint or T-Mobile US’ network, including LTE access, selecting whichever network has the strongest signal or highest available data speeds. Google highlighted the services ability to transfer users between cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, but noted that a call in session can only be transferred from Wi-Fi to a cellular connection. There was no word if a voice call initiated on one network would seamlessly hand off to the other network should a customer roam outside of coverage. This gap was highlighted by T-Mobile US CEO John Legere, who in a blog post noted that inability as well as the Google’s service lacking support for HD Voice.
The network management is built into the Nexus 6 device, which was recently launched by former Google division Motorola. The device includes a specific SIM card that is compatible with both Sprint and T-Mobile US networks. The device is priced at $650 for a 32 GB model and $700 for a 64 GB model, or customers can choose a monthly installment option. Customers that have already purchased a Nexus 6 can request a free SIM card from Google.
Service pricing starts at $20 per month, for which users receive unlimited voice calling and text messaging. Customers can then add cellular data access for $10 per gigabyte, which is inline with overage charges from some mobile carriers. Google’s hook is that it will refund customers for unused data, thus a customer that purchases 3 GB of data, but only uses 1.5 GB will receive a $15 credit to their account. Customers that go over their purchased amount of data will receive text warnings, with any overage charged at the same $10 per GB amount.
The Google service also taps into T-Mobile US’ international roaming capabilities, offering customers cellular voice calling from more than 120 countries priced at 20 cents per minute and unlimited text messaging. However, international calls placed over Wi-Fi are charged a fee for outgoing calls.
Google customers can also use purchased data in those 120-plus countries, though cellular network speeds are capped at 256 kilobits per second for the Google service. T-Mobile US offers its customers unlimited access in those international markets as part of their regular rate plan.
Google is also tapping into its Web-based Hangout application to allow customers to use their same phone number to place and receive calls from the application on devices running the Android or Apple iOS platform or using Google’s Gmail service. The platform also allows customers to synch their voicemail across the different platforms.
Customers looking to switch service will be on the hook for any termination fees or remaining device balances, something Sprint and T-Mobile US have offered to pay in order to attract customers from rivals.
Analysts did not expect a huge impact from the launch, noting that the limited device availability that to this point also lacks support for Apple’s iPhone line would likely mute customer adoption. That in turn is expected to add just incremental usage for both Sprint and T-Mobile US.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
