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11/02/2024 03:26:15 pm

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Google Announces Wireless Service, Project Fi

Google Project Fi now supports tablet devices.

(Photo : Google) Google Project Fi now supports tablet devices.

Google has officially announced its own wireless service named Project Fi. The service will be available in the U.S. within the next few months, bringing some big changes to the traditional wireless carrier model.

There will be no infrastructure acquisitions for Project F. Instead, Google is going to piggyback on the T-Mobile USA and Sprint network alongside utilizing all of the public and home Wi-Fi it can get its hands on for free calls and texts over Wi-Fi.

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Using a dynamic network swapper, Google is capable of finding the best connection in the office, on the route to work, at a park and instantly move onto the network without any interference.

This removes the need to stick on one carrier even when service is lousy in buildings or outdoors. T-Mobile USA has been known for lackluster signal when it comes to office buildings, meaning users will instantly move over to Sprint's network while hopping back on T-Mobile's faster 4G LTE network outdoors.

Google is also offering a new way to save money each month by refunding data that's not been used in the month. Customers can buy 1 GB for $10 per month and the rate goes up by $10 for each gig.

Any leftovers will be refunded and sent back to the customer, meaning they never have to feel like they're spending too much on the contract.

This is a smart move to knock back traditional carriers that offer no refunds for unused data. T-Mobile USA recently added a 'Data Cache' service allowing users to store data and keep it for 12 months, using it when needed.

Google plans to roll out Project Fi nationwide although the hotspots for 4G LTE are currently on the East Coast and California. Perhaps if it manages to win over AT&T or Verizon Wireless, we will see full nationwide coverage although we don't see that happening any time soon.

The Nexus 6 is currently the only compatible device with Project Fi but Google didn't say whether this is a hardware or software issue. If it's software related, we may see a whole range of phones quickly supported but hardware may take more time.

"We're sending a small number of Project Fi invites each week, but rest assured that you're on our list. You'll get your invitation in the coming weeks, and we hope to make that happen sooner rather than later," said Google in a blog post.

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