Cellular23.04.2015

Project Fi: 12c per MB, no data expiry mobile network

By Jan Vermeulen

On 22 April Google launched its mobile virtual network operator in partnership with two mobile networks in the United States.

Called “Project Fi”, this new mobile service provider will connect subscribers to the best network available to them in an area, whether Wi-Fi or cellular.

“As you go about your day, Project Fi automatically connects you to more than a million free, open Wi-Fi hotspots we’ve verified as fast and reliable,” said Nick Fox, head of communications products at Google.

When Project Fi connects to an open Wi-Fi network, Google said it secures the connection with a virtual private network.

“This secure connection protects your data from being looked at by other users,” said Fox.

Calls will transition seamlessly between cell networks and Wi-Fi networks, and your phone number will not be linked to only a device. Any device that supports Google Hangouts can be linked to your number.

Nexus-only

At launch, Project Fi was only available on Google’s Nexus 6.

“It works with the Project Fi SIM card, which supports multiple cellular networks, and a state-of-the-art cellular radio tuned to work across network types,” Google says in its FAQ.

Google only plans to support the Nexus 6 during its early access programme for Project Fi.

Pricing

The Google Fi base package costs $20 (excluding taxes), and includes “all the basics”, Google said: unlimited domestic voice calls, texts, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in over 120 countries.

International voice calls and some voice calls in the US do attract additional fees.

Mobile data can be bought for $10 per Gigabyte (excluding taxes), and can be used in the US and while travelling abroad – including South Africa.

While roaming internationally most data connectivity will run on 3G networks and be limited to speeds of 256kb per second.

Unlike mobile networks in South Africa, data does not expire after a certain period. Instead, Project Fi subscribers will be refunded for any data they did not use.

Voice calls to South Africa over Google Hangouts are charged as follows: