Anyone Using Google Fi?

[Tigrisan]

I'm considering switching us from Sprint (please, no dissing, they've been overall very good for us) to Google Fi because of the additional coverage where we travel. This past week, we were in the Thumb area and while my hub's work phone had constant coverage with Verizon, that would cost me almost $70 more a month for a comparable plan to what I have now with Sprint which is unlimited everything. So I'm looking instead at Google Fi and would like some input from people who are users. I have a Note 9 but would have to upgrade hub's personal phone which is not a big deal, it's time anyway.

I'm paying $125 a month now with Sprint unlimited. Have had no contract for several years and would like to stay away from them so another reason Google Fi is appealing, plus their coverage area.

Anyone? I'd like to know if you are using it, do you love it, hate it, have a lot of problems with coverage, customer service?

Thank you!

 

[hallux]

I have Fi and have been satisfied with it. Definitely look at the coverage map. I have used it internationally (the data anyway) in Canada and Nassau, with Mexico coming up next month. One nice thing about Fi is that you can cancel any time if it doesn't work for you. I have also heard of people getting a line to try it and porting their number over once they decide it will work for them. Your Note 9 will run ONLY on T-Mobile - phones not "designed for Fi" won't do carrier switching.

There are new "unlimited" plans now as well, check them out. Data use is one thing people don't look at when considering Fi - on the standard plan data is billed at $10 per GB, up to 6 GB used then "free" for the next 9 GB (total of $80 per month plus taxes to use up to 15 GB of data for a single line), the shared plans have different scaling on the data charges.

There is also a way for you, and I, to save some money through referral codes. The credit comes after the first month. Use of the referral code will result in the referrer knowing the real name of the referred, if you're OK with that send me a PM and I'll get you my referral code.

My one customer service experience was several years ago, and it stands out because I got a follow-up on a holiday (Thanksgiving) with an answer to my issue.

 

[Tigrisan]

I wondered about which actual carrier the phone would work on. Mine is factory unlocked so does work on any carrier and I was trying to figure out if that would hold true on Fi. I might have to ask them before I do anything. Hubs has an older Note locked to Sprint so when I replace his, I'll buy a factory unlocked for him as well. Phones are way too expensive to buy a new one if you want/need to switch carriers for any reason.

Thanks very much for your input! I have a 50G wifi hotspot rolled into my current Sprint plan. I'd pay about $90 a month plus taxes if I dropped it, but I'm rural and the only wifi carrier I have is Comcast and on their best days, they just suck.

 

[hallux]

I might have to ask them before I do anything

Ask Fi? Most phones, including yours, will work on Fi, as long as they can connect to the T-Mobile towers.

Using the service as your primary home internet might be an issue...

 

[Tigrisan]

Thanks. I only use the hotspot when the wifi drops, but I've also bought a Nighthawk modem compatible with Comcast and will be changing over this weekend. I think what they're doing is, anyone who has an older modem is now having problems like I am and when you call about it, they want to switch you to the new XFi modem which is $5 more a month rent than what I'm already paying on my current modem. It's their passive/aggressive way of getting everyone to switch.

The TMobile coverage reviews in my area are 50/50 so...I'm still thinking about it. I did do a chat with Fi, but all they wanted to do was verify my IMEI and my address and I had other questions they weren't in a hurry to answer. They just kept assuring me that they'd get me coverage if I had problems *sigh*

There's an app called FiSwitch that might give me more options. I'm still looking into things. I just need to do something for better coverage and at almost $200 a month for two lines with Verizon is just not an option for me.

 

[hallux]

I use Signal Spy, which is similar to Fi Switch. The thing is - unless the phone supports the network switching those apps will do nothing to help with forcing to a particular network. Signal Spy, at least, will help you identify signal strength, but on a Samsung on Fi that's about all it'll do...

 

[Tigrisan]

I'm figuring that out. :/

Thanks for all your input. I truly appreciate it. I don't have to switch today, so I can do a bit more research and try to talk to others that have TMobile in my area.

 

[stevenjb2020]

I checked out Fi - my phone is not designated for their Network switching - my phone would be pegged on TMO. So I decided to remain with my current TMO plan. Do not want to buy a new phone designated for Fi.