The mobile carrier Google Fi is now 10 years old, and Google is celebrating with a new unlimited plan for $35 per month, eSIMs for data-only devices, and helpful updates to its other plans.

Google Fi is the mobile carrier owned and operated by Google, previously known as Project Fi. It previously used a combination of T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular for the best possible coverage, but now it’s powered exclusively by T-Mobile’s nationwide network. It offers a mix of “unlimited” plans and per-GB data plans, and unlike most carriers, you can add more devices (like tablets and laptops) with data-only SIMs without per-device charges. Google Fi is also ahead of most other carriers in international coverage, with most plans including service in “over 200 destinations.”

Google Fi Plan Updates

First, Google Fi is offering a new plan called ‘Unlimited Essentials’ with unlimited calls and texts, and 30 GB of “high-speed data” in the United States. Last time I checked, 30GB is not “unlimited,” but that’s what Google is calling it. After you pass that 30GB limit, your speeds drop to 256 kbps—enough to slowly load Google Maps or some web pages in a pinch, but not much beyond that.

The Unlimited Essentials plan also doesn’t include hotspot tethering or service in any other countries, even Canada and Mexico, and you can’t add more devices with data SIM cards. It doesn’t seem like the worst deal in the world, but Verizon’s Visible network has actual “unlimited” data starting at $25/month, just at potentially lower speeds if Verizon’s network is congested in your area. Visible also includes hotspot tethering with all plans.

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Why I Use Google Fi Wireless

Everyone knows about the three major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—but Google Fi Wireless is a carrier that’s less often mentioned. It’s a shame, too, as the company’s cell service is available at extremely competitive prices and offers great ways to keep up with (and sometimes surpass) the competition. Fi is definitely a service you shouldn’t sleep on!

Google said in a blog post, “With all our plans, you’ll get ultra-reliable 5G coverage, built-in Google account security and plenty of perks — like advanced spam call blocking, VPN by Google and full connectivity for select smartwatches — at no extra cost.”

Google Fi is also updating its other plans. Unlimited Standard, previously known as Simply Unlimited, now has 50GB of high-speed data instead of 35GB. It also has 25GB of high-speed hotspot tethering, instead of 5GB. Unlimited Premium, which used to be called Unlimited Plus, now has 100 GB of high-speed data instead of 50GB. The Premium and Flexible plans also now have 5G coverage in more countries, and international service now works on iPhone in addition to Android phones.

Data-only eSIMs

Google is also rolling out the ability to set up data-only SIM cards as eSIMs. The blog post explained, “Google Fi Wireless is the only major carrier to offer connectivity for cellular-enabled tablets and laptops at no extra cost with data-only SIMs — no hotspot from a nearby phone or additional data plan required. Now, we’re broadening access to this feature with data-only eSIMs, which means you can quickly and easily connect newer, eSIM-compatible devices like Android tablets and iPads with data on the go, without needing a physical SIM card.”

This is mainly helpful for devices that don’t have a physical SIM card slot, like newer cellular iPad tablets and some laptops. Even if your tablet, laptop, or other secondary device does have a physical SIM card slot, the eSIM setup removes the need to wait for a physical card to be shipped through the mail. Ordering a physical SIM card is still free, if you need one.

Source: Google