Google is always looking to extend the boundaries of what is possible, and now they have announced Project Fi, which is probably the way forward on how we have communicate over regular wireless Network. In short, Project Fi is Google’s own network that works works on its own or also in conjunction with other wireless networks.
Project Fi is based on a new technology developed by Google that allows users can seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and 4G LTE networks while making a call or sending a text message. What this does is, it offers users access to far more cell towers, wider coverage and superior call quality.
Google has currently partnered with Sprint and T-Mobile wireless networks in the US to offer voice calls and data. Project Fi is currently only available in the US, is invite only and is compatible only with Nexus 6 smartphones. It seems that Google is currently testing waters with a small focused group of users, and they will increase their offering in a phased manner. You can view Project Fi’s coverage in the US at fi.google.com/coverage
How Does Project Fi Operate?
If you are part of Project Fi and you are either making a call or using data, the technology will find the best available network between T-Mobile, Sprint or local Wi-Fi Hotspots and seamless and automatically latch on to that network to securely place your call or transmit data on the network. The network will switch to 4G LTE network when WiFi is not available and switch back to Wi-Fi upon its availability.
Project Fi connects users to free, open Wi-Fi networks that do not require any action to get connected (such as, enter a password, watch an ad, or check-in).
The communication happening through Project Fi will be completely secure and encrypted.
Interestingly, if you are part of Project Fi and you get an incoming call, they will ring on any devices that has Google Hangouts. The Google account used will be the one that you have with Project Fi. Also, Outgoing calls can be made using the Hangouts app on Android and iOS devices, as well as the Hangouts widget inside Gmail if you’re on a computer.
You can find more details here.
Plans & Pricing
Project Fi’s basic plan start at $20 per month. The plan includes unlimited domestic talk and text, unlimited international texts, Wi-Fi tethering to use your phone as a hotspot, and access cellular coverage in 120+ countries. Check out this video that explains how Project Fi will be priced.
Why Project Fi is Interesting?
After all Project Fi is a full blown Wireless network that essentially will compete with traditional telecom provider. It is interesting that Sprint and T-Mobile have tied up with them, I doubt Google will be able to forge such partnership in any other countries, unless they don’t not have any plans to operate independently in the future (which I doubt).
Project Fi is terminating end to end calls on the internet and using WiFi hotspots to do that. Right now they do not have a full fledged network, and hence it is obviously difficult for them to operate on their own. But in future, there is no doubt that they will be able to come up with network that has 100 percent coverage, and at that they will not need to tie-up with a telecom provider!
We will be keeping a close watch on how Project Fi evolves – but in our view they may very soon become the largest Wireless network in the world…We will wait and watch!
