Google outlines game-changing MVNO offering

Google has unveiled its mobile service in the US, partnering with Sprint and T-Mobile on an initiative called Project Fi that claims to be capable of switching seamlessly between Wi-Fi and LTE technology.

The MVNO service will only be available at launch via Google’s own Nexus 6 Android device using a custom designed SIM. There is no official launch date but Google is encouraging people to sign up for the service online.

Initial availability is on a selected basis; once an application has been received Google will respond within 30 days (criteria is based on date of application and network/service access in a user’s hometown). Users can transfer their current personal number over to Project Fi once signed up.

The Nexus 6 phone will switch between Sprint and T-Mobile US networks, depending on which carrier has the strongest 4G signal. When 4G is not available, the phone will drop back to a 3G/2G signal.

The Project Fi website states: “The Nexus 6 works with our unique SIM that lets you access multiple networks and has a state-of-the-art cellular radio tuned to work with different network types.” Google claims its software is optimised “to not put extra strain on your battery by only moving you between networks when absolutely necessary.”

However, Google has not revealed specific technical details on how the service works.

Google claims that Project Fi has access to more than a million free, open Wi-Fi hotspots.

The no-contract service costs US$20 a month for basic subscription (unlimited talk and texts, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in 120+ countries) and then users pay a flat US$10 per GB for 4G data while in the US and abroad. Any unused data is refunded.

Unlimited data plans are not supported. Neither are family plans. International data access is restricted to speeds of 256kb/s without incurring roaming fees.