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Google Announces 10x-20x Faster Speeds for Project Fi Users

July 12, 2016
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2 min read
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Google Announces 10x-20x Faster Speeds for Project Fi Users
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Update: TPG Editor-in-Chief Zach Honig is currently in the UK for the Farnborough Air Show, so he tested Project Fi's recently improved speeds, as compared to an EE SIM. All three tests were completed with the same unlocked iPhone 6 near Heathrow Airport.

First up, here's the EE SIM:

Here's Project Fi connected to EE:

And Project Fi connected to 3:

Google's Project Fi is one of the best ways to stay connected when you're traveling abroad. The service allows you to make calls, send text messages and use data by switching between Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Wi-Fi networks — it even saved the day in Bali for TPG Editor-in-Chief Zach Honig.

Today, Google announced that it's increasing international data speeds, giving Project Fi users access to high-speed data in 135+ destinations and providing a more seamless experience when traveling abroad. Three, the UK-based internet service provider, is the latest addition to the Project Fi network, which will help to deliver speeds that are 10x-20x faster than the previous capability of Project Fi.

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Project Fi is a popular option for travelers using data when abroad.

Project Fi costs $20 per month for talk, text and Wi-Fi tethering domestically and abroad — now in more than 135 destinations. Beyond that, data costs $10 per GB in the US and abroad, and if you don't use all the data you buy for the month, you'll be refunded approximately $0.1 per MB. For example, if you budget and pay for 2GB and you only end up using 1.265GB, you'll get a $7.35 credit. Best of all, there's no annual contract required.

Along with this announcement of increased speeds, Project Fi is also offering $150 off the Nexus 6P for the next week when you buy and activate with Project Fi. Keep in mind that Project Fi only works with select Google phones such as the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6, but also works with an unlocked iPhone 6. This should be a welcome change for Project Fi users, who will now have even faster access to the internet while they're traveling.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

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)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 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.