Google has officially thrown its hat in the ring, and wants to be your wireless provider.
As previously reported, Google has unveiled a new wireless service called Project Fi, “a program to explore this opportunity by introducing new ideas through a fast and easy wireless experience,” says the company.
“Similar to our Nexus hardware program, Project Fi enables us to work in close partnership with leading carriers, hardware makers, and all of you to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By designing across hardware, software and connectivity, we can more fully explore new ways for people to connect and communicate.”
Google’s Project Fi will run on Sprint and T-Mobile, and customers will have access to both networks – as well as Wi-Fi calling. What you use to make your calls depends on which method is better for your current location.
“Project Fi aims to put you on the best network wherever you go. As you move around, the best network for you might be a Wi-Fi hotspot or a specific 4G LTE network. We developed new technology that gives you better coverage by intelligently connecting you to the fastest available network at your location whether it’s Wi-Fi or one of our two partner LTE networks,” says Google.
Phone numbers live on the cloud with Project Fi, “so you can talk and text with your number on just about any phone, tablet or laptop.”
Here’s what Google has to say about pricing:
Project Fi takes a fresh approach to how you pay for wireless, manage your service, and get in touch when you need help. We offer one simple plan at one price with 24/7 support. Here’s how it works: for $20 a month you get all the basics (talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in 120+ countries), and then it’s a flat $10 per GB for cellular data while in the U.S. and abroad.
With Project Fi, you’ll only pay for the data you use. If you fail to use what you paid for, Google will give you a refund for the unused portion.
Now, before you get too excited about ditching AT&T for Google Fi, you should know that this is not a wide scale rollout. Project Fi will only work on the Nexus 6 for now, and you should probably check the coverage map before jumping ship.
Google is taking requests for invites here.