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Google to Launch Wireless Network—Project Fi

April 23, 2015
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3 min read
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Google to Launch Wireless Network—Project Fi
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On Wednesday, April 29, Google will launch its version of a wireless cell phone carrier, Project Fi, which will take the form of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Using the T-Mobile and Sprint networks, Project Fi aims to make it easier and faster for you to use Google anywhere by improving WiFi speed and cell coverage in the United States and 120 other countries. To see if your area is eligible for this service, visit the Project Fi website and request an invitation.

Google calls Project Fi—because why not abbreviate a word that’s already an abbreviation?—a “network of networks,” relying on current mobile carriers to provide WiFi and 4G LTE coverage. What’s cool about this partnership is that a traveler on the move using Project Fi will automatically be switched from WiFi to cell service, and either T-Mobile or Sprint based on which service gives you the best connectivity.

Google envisions Project Fi as a seamless user experience. If you’re on a call and you travel out of a T-Mobile network and into a Sprint area, the call shouldn’t drop; if it does, though, Fi will switch your call to a WiFi network instead. Data use and texting will experience similar improvements in coverage and also in speed.

With the launch of Project Fi, Google hopes to set an example that will lead other carriers into the age of reliable coverage. In a blog post, Google’s VP of Communications Nick Fox laments, “...even in places like the U.S., where mobile connections are nearly ubiquitous, there are still times when you turn to your phone for that split-second answer and don't have fast enough speed.”

T-Mobile’s CEO John Legere agrees. “The carriers have dug in their heels and held US wireless back for too long,” he wrote on his company’s blog. “This industry needs all the fresh blood and fresh thinking it can get.”

Another great feature of Project Fi is that users can make calls with any Google Hangout-enabled device, which can come in handy if you lose your phone in a taxi or Uber. You can still stay in touch if you have your tablet or laptop on hand.

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You can use your current phone number if you switch to Project Fi. Pricing on the plan starts at a base rate of $20 per month plus $10 per GB per month of data. (International data and texting is included, but calls will be 20 cents per minute, and data rate is limited to 256kbps.) Unused data rolls over to the next month, and if you go over your allotment, the service will automatically allow you another 1GB for 10 more bucks.

Unfortunately for the masses, Project Fi only works on Google’s Nexus 6 phone—which costs $649. There’s a payment plan, but no discount for new subscribers, and no indication about when this might work on other phones.

What do you think of Project Fi? Ready to jump in, or hang back and see what happens?

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.