Turns out Google isn't just a popular search engine. The tech company has been laying the groundwork to crack the market for cellular networks since 2015 _ and the tech giant's most promising endeavor, the Google Fi cell phone service, might be worth a look.
The first iteration of Google Fi, called Project Fi, initially was an invite-only system for the Google Nexus phone, according to Forbes.
However, it's since expanded. On Nov. 28, Google announced the plan now works for most Android devices and iPhones (in beta) _ they also officially took on the name Google Fi.
Some features depend on the type of device used, so for users looking for the "full Google Fi experience" the company recommended using a phone designed to work with Fi: the Pixel 3, Moto G6 and others available on their website.
Nonetheless, since the company announced the expansion to other phones, reviewers, rankers and tech writers across the Internet have given the affordable and adaptable phone plan particularly high marks.
PC Magazine editors' rated the Google Fi a 4 out of 5 and called the plan excellent.
"Project Fi's spectacular results on our Readers' Choice survey defy gravity, logic, and our own testing. For instance, our readers gave it coverage scores better than Verizon's, and speed scores faster than T-Mobile's, which don't sync with what we saw firsthand in New York City. Fi users love it seemingly beyond reason," the magazine review said.
According to the Google Fi website, here's how the flexible model works:
It starts at $20/month per person ($15 each additional user) for unlimited calls and texts, and $10/GB for data.
For example, two users who opt for 2 GB of data a month and unlimited calls and texts would pay $55, plus taxes and fees.
"Fi flexes to your data usage every month. That means when you use less data, you'll see a lower bill. In months when you use more data, Bill Protection caps your bill and keeps the data coming," the site said.
With Bill Protection, data is free after 6GB. Data is still free but slows down for the rest of the month if anyone uses over 15GB.
There's also no extra international roaming charges, users can travel to more than 170 countries and territories and get no extra data costs. 24/customer support is also available.
"Google Fi is offering better service and coverage than any single U.S. carrier, lower costs than most, flexibility and no contract," anInvestorPlacecontributor wrote last week.
