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what towers does project fi use

by Jabari Walsh Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The modern wireless carrier Google’s Project Fi can be classified as an MVNO

Mobile virtual network operator

A mobile virtual network operator, virtual network operator, or mobile other licensed operator, is a wireless communications services provider that does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which it provides services to its customers. An MVNO enters into a business agreement with a mobile network operator to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail price…

. Google has enlisted the help of Sprint and T-Mobile’s cell towers to provide users the best of both (of those) worlds.

In the U.S., Fi uses a combination of T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular (so eventually just T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular, since Sprint and T-Mobile are in the process of becoming one and the same).

Full Answer

What is Project Fi and how does it work?

What is Project Fi? Project Fi is the name of Google's network that offers mobile data directly to users, much like every other carrier that's available to choose between.

What is Google's Project Fi?

Google's Project Fi mobile virtual network operates on the back of Sprint, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular's LTE networks. Project Fi is the name of Google's network that offers mobile data directly to users, much like every other carrier that's available to choose between.

Which carrier has the best deal with Project Fi?

Metro by T-Mobile, one of our top choices among discount carriers, offers a 10GB plan for $40 a month — that same $40 buys you just 2GB of data at Project Fi. But Google Fi’s appeal lies in the fact that you won’t have to pay for any unused data. Google Fi charges you down to the cent for each MB.

Does Project Fi have 5G coverage?

In addition to LTE coverage, you can also expect 5G coverage from those networks, if you've got a compatible device — that is, one with a 5G modem. But cellular coverage is only part of the Project Fi story.

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What network does Project Fi use?

T-MobileGoogle Fi (pronounced /faɪ/), formerly Project Fi, is an MVNO telecommunications service by Google that provides telephone calls, SMS, and mobile broadband using cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Google Fi uses networks operated by T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular.

What kind of towers does Google Fi use?

Google Fi uses T-Mobile and US Cellular Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have merged, it largely uses just T-Mobile as well as US Cellular, with the latter being more of a midwest brand. Is 5G included? 5G is included with all Fi plans, but you will need to make sure your phone works with T-Mobile's 5G network.

What Towers does Google Fi use 2021?

Google Fi operates on the T-Mobile network and US Cellular network. With T-Mobile, Google Fi gives you access to the third-best 4G LTE network and the best 5G network.

Does Google Fi have its own towers?

For those who aren't up to speed on how Google Fi works, it's a mobile virtual network operator that uses space on another carrier's network rather than rely on its own towers. In Google Fi's case, it taps multiple networks — specifically, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular.

What are the disadvantages of Google Fi?

Pros and ConsProsConsInternational featuresNot the cheapest pay-by-the-gig planFlexibility to only pay for what you useLimited “designed for Fi” phone selectionHigh-speed dataApr 19, 2022

Is Google Fi worth it 2022?

The Google Fi Flexible cell phone plan places No. 11 in our Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022 rating, No. 5 in our Best Prepaid Plans of 2022 rating, and No. 8 in our Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2022 rating.

Does Verizon have better coverage than Google Fi?

Therefore, Verizon has better overall coverage when compared to Google Fi. However, this doesn't mean that Google Fi doesn't have good coverage. Since it uses multiple networks, you're likely to get good coverage in most areas. The biggest benefit of Google Fi is that it offers international roaming at no extra cost.

Does Google Fi use Verizon towers?

One of Google Fi's best advantages over the Verizon powerhouse is its unique network setup. Rather than relying on one carrier for coverage, Fi combines T-Mobile, US Cellular, and the remains of Sprint for a vast signal blanket.

Does Google Fi have better coverage than T-Mobile?

Google Fi and T-Mobile have similar coverage and features, as long as everyone is on Android. T-Mobile's three core plans (Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta MAX) are entirely unlimited when it comes to data, text, talk, and mobile hotspot data.

What Towers does T-Mobile use?

T-Mobile uses AT&T's towers, depending on the location. Most telecom carriers lease towers from other companies, including their competition, because sometimes it's more cost-effective to lease than buy.

What 5G bands does Google Fi use?

For 5g coverage, your phone needs to support the following bands: n41 (2500MHz), n71 (600MHz), n258 (24GHz), n260 (39GHz), n261 (28GHz) .

What Towers does mint use?

It runs on T-Mobile's cellular network, which means it uses T-Mobile's network but isn't owned by the company.

Does Google Fi use Verizon towers?

One of Google Fi's best advantages over the Verizon powerhouse is its unique network setup. Rather than relying on one carrier for coverage, Fi combines T-Mobile, US Cellular, and the remains of Sprint for a vast signal blanket.

Does Google Fi use T-Mobile towers?

Google Fi vs T-Mobile — Coverage Both carriers rely on the magenta network for most of their 4G LTE and 5G coverage. That means you should have a pretty solid blanket of service throughout the United States.

Does Google Fi have better coverage than T-Mobile?

Google Fi and T-Mobile have similar coverage and features, as long as everyone is on Android. T-Mobile's three core plans (Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta MAX) are entirely unlimited when it comes to data, text, talk, and mobile hotspot data.

Do Verizon phones work on Google Fi?

That even includes most modern Verizon and Sprint phones, which still have the right GSM and LTE network bands for T-Mobile. Some international phones will work, too — just use Google's compatibility checker, or research the exact radio bands your phone has and compare them to T-Mobile's needs.

How good is Google Fi coverage?

Google Fi operates on the T-Mobile network and US Cellular network. With T-Mobile, Google Fi gives you access to the third-best 4G LTE network and...

What towers and network does Google Fi use?

Google Fi uses the T-Mobile and US Cellular networks. Google Fi used to also piggyback on the Sprint network before it was merged with T-Mobile.

Is Google Fi as good as T-Mobile?

Google Fi gives you the same network coverage as T-Mobile. The biggest difference between the two is the price of plans and what is included with t...

What phones can I use with Google Fi?

You can use most new Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Google Pixel 5 on Google Fi. The Apple iPhone is still in beta testing with...

What devices support Project Fi?

What devices will support it. Google's Project Fi service is currently available on the Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Moto X4, as well as the older Nexus 6, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P flagship devices . The latest phones to join the party are the Moto G6, LG G7 ThinQ and the LG V35 ThinQ.

What is Project Fi?

Project Fi is the name of Google's network that offers mobile data directly to users, much like every other carrier that's available to choose between.

Where is the Project Fi app?

If your smartphone or tablet is updated, you'll find the Project Fi app embedded within your app drawer. Inside, you can manage your account info and get a look at the amount of data you've used within the month.

Does Project Fi work with Google?

While Project Fi deals with T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular towers, you only deal with Google. More specifically, after the easy setup process online, you only need to refer to the Project Fi app moving forward. If your smartphone or tablet is updated, you'll find the Project Fi app embedded within your app drawer.

Is Google Fiber better than Project Fi?

One need only look at the positive buzz around Google Fiber, a service that's only available in a handful of US cities. Google Fi could be better for users. Project Fi looks like it might turn out the same thanks to versatile service, easy payments and more flexibility than what any other wireless service offers.

Recommended Answers (2)

T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular are the cellular carrier partners of Project Fi.

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T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular are the cellular carrier partners of Project Fi.

Smarter coverage

Phones designed for Fi automatically shift between multiple mobile networks and secure Wi-Fi connections to connect you to the best possible signal.

Connect here and abroad

Make calls to other countries at little to no additional cost, and get international texting from the US included free.

What is Project Fi?

Project Fi is Google's very own wireless cellular network. Basically, it's Google's foray into being a MVNO. The service combines Wi-Fi, Sprint, and T-Mobile; depending on whichever network is the strongest, it would seamlessly switch to use that particular network. Google gives a better explanation:

What is Google Fi?

Google Fi is an MVNO that operates on the Sprint network in the United States. Eligible users can use voice services via Voice over LTE (DWAVE), data services using Wi-Fi tethering, and text messaging with select shortcodes such as 411 ("411") and 911 ("911").

Does Google Fi have a hotspot?

Unlike other phone plans, Google Fi offers cellular coverage across three leading networks (T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular) and Wi-Fi hotspots, with a phone designed for Fi. Phones that are not designed for Fi but are still compatible with Fi have nationwide access to the T-Mobile network.

What is Project Fi?

Known as Project Fi when it launched in 2015, Google touted its service as an alternate wireless carrier for select Google devices by using a blend of Wi-Fi and other carrier networks to keep you covered. Subscribers were drawn to its pay-only-for-what-you-use approach, too, especially after Google started capping the amount it charges each month.

What special features does Google Fi offer?

Besides rebates on unused data, most Google Fi customers are able to use their phones as a wireless hotspot for no additional cost, though any data they use comes out of their monthly allotment. Simply Unlimited plans don't offer hotspot capabilities.

What network does Google Fi use?

In Google Fi’s case, a couple of carriers are used — T-Mobile (and what's left of Sprint) and regional carrier US Cellular. For Fi-certified devices, Google says its cellular services determines which carrier has the fastest network where you happen to be and connects you to that one. Should you relocate to an area where another carrier partner has better coverage, you’ll be switched over to the better connection.

What do customers say about Google Fi?

Customers like paying only for the data they use and the lower monthly bills. The few complaints on the Google Fi app concern call quality.

How much does Google Fi cost?

You’ve still got Fi's classic offering, called Flexible, which provides unlimited talk and text (including international texting) for $20 a month.

Is Project Fi rebranded?

Phone selection had been the biggest limitation with Project Fi. But now that the service is rebranded as Google Fi, that's changed in a major way.

Can I use Google Fi on my iPhone?

If you've got an iPhone, you can sign up for Google Fi, too, using the Google Fi iOS app. Expanding the number of phones that will work with Google Fi certainly widens the pool of wireless users who can take advantage of Google's straightforward data plan pricing.

What networks does Project Fi use?

With a special SIM card, Project Fi uses T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular mobile network s. While none of these three networks are as robust as AT&T or Verizon, together they cover a lot of ground with high-speed LTE connectivity. You can get an idea of their coverage area from the maps below.

How does Project Fi work?

As a virtual network operator, Project Fi borrows from another carrier’s network to offer mobile connectivity. Google takes a three-pronged approach to ensure reliable coverage across the United States.

How much does Project Fi cost?

Project Fi can save you tons of money depending on how much data you require. Everyone starts with the same $20 per month base price, which gets you unlimited domestic talk and text, unlimited international texts, Wi-Fi tethering for hotspot sharing, and general cellphone coverage. But you can add five additional members to your plan for $15 per person per month.

How does Project Fi compare to T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon?

With low prices and networks from three mobile carriers, Project Fi seems like an obvious choice for anyone who owns a supported device. Users agree: After 7,000 reviews, the Project Fi Android app has 4.6 stars. The network has also earned its fair share of praise from other publications. But where does it stand in the saturated mobile carrier market?

What is Project Fi?

Hide. In simple terms, Project Fi is a mobile carrier operated by Google. Unlike Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, Project Fi is a so-called virtual network operator (MVNO), or a wireless network reseller that doesn’t own infrastructure. Put another way, it essentially leases cellular coverage and bandwidth from other carriers.

Is Project Fi a money saver?

For everyone else, Project Fi could be a convenient money saver—that is, if you happen to own or want to invest in a Nexus or Pixel smartphone

Is Project Fi only available on Google?

As you might expect, Project Fi is only available to users of Google’s Android operating system. More specifically, only those who own a Google Pixel, Nexus, or select Motorola smartphones (sorry Galaxy diehards).

How much does Project Fi cost?

Project Fi has one simple plan for every one with single line of basic service which includes unlimited domestics talk and text, unlimited international texting, Wi-Fi hotspot and 24/7 support at $20 per month plus $10 for each GB of data used.

What are the drawbacks of Project Fi?

The major drawbacks of Project Fi is the higher rate of data plan, $10 per each GB data is more costlier than other competitive cellular service. Even the T-Mobile, MetroPCS and Sprint as well as Verizon are offering the unlimited data plan in less than the Project Fi rate plans for data.

Is Google Project Fi strong?

Usually in other cellular network you are connected to only cellular service however it is weak or strong connection for your cellular phone but in the Google Project Fi service you cell phone will be automatically connected to the strongest services in that region . This is one of the major plus point of the Project Fi over other cellular network.

What phones support FI?

The current phones designed for Fi are Pixels, Moto G7, Moto G6, LG G7 ThinQ, LG V35 ThinQ, and Android One Moto X4. They are built to support multiple cellular networks, and they have a state-of-the-art cellular radio tuned to work across network types. You must have the North American model of the above devices to use it on the Google Fi network.

What is Google Fi?

Google Fi's goal is to optimize all streaming video. On Flexible, video streams at the rate determined by you and the application provider. On Simply Unlimited or Unlimited Plus, Fi attempts to optimize video by streaming at up to 480p (standard definition).

How many people can you have on Google FI?

If you're already on Google Fi you can invite people to your plan here. You can have up to six people, including the group owner, in a group. All Fi plans come with family features that make it easier to keep your family safer on their phones and create healthy digital habits, at no extra cost.

Does Google FI cover overseas?

Google Fi's network also extends to 200+ countries and territories so you're automatically covered abroad at no extra charge. No setup required -- you can just use your phone as you would at home.

Can I finance Google Fi?

If you're already a Google Fi subscriber looking to finance additional devices, you can do so as long as you have enough remaining credit to finance the extra devices. Find your credit line amount in your Fi account, or when you go through the checkout process.

Does Google Fi charge for a contract?

No, there's no annual service contract when you sign up. We also don't charge fees if you leave Google Fi. If you buy a new device when you sign up for Google Fi and choose to pay for your device over time, the remaining monthly payments on your device are due if you leave.

Can I use Google FI with a group?

Yes. If you're new to Google Fi, you can set up a group plan during your checkout process. Just have the intended plan owner click “Join Fi” to get started. Everyone in your group must be on the same Fi plan: Flexible, Simply Unlimited, or Unlimited Plus.

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1.Google Fi Coverage Map: How It Compares | WhistleOut

Url:https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/google-fi-coverage-map

31 hours ago  · While Project Fi deals with T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular towers, you only deal with Google. More specifically, after the easy setup process online, you only need to refer …

2.What towers/cell companies does Fi use? - Google

Url:https://support.google.com/fi/thread/451084/what-towers-cell-companies-does-fi-use?hl=en

3 hours ago This help content & information General Help Center experience. Search. Clear search

3.See Where Our 5G Mobile Network Coverage Extends

Url:https://fi.google.com/about/coverage/

28 hours ago Answer (1 of 2): Google Fi uses the same towers as Sprint and T-Mobile. So if you have service with Sprint or T-Mobile, you'll be able to use Google Fi. Google Fi is a unique phone plan that …

4.What towers does Google Fi use? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-towers-does-Google-Fi-use

24 hours ago This help content & information General Help Center experience. Search. Clear search

5.What Is Google Fi, and Is It Worth It? | Tom's Guide

Url:https://www.tomsguide.com/us/project-fi-faq,review-4530.html

4 hours ago  · Additionally, Project Fi will use Wi-Fi to make calls and send texts to avoid using cellular. Your phone will likely borrow from T-Mobile since it has the largest network of the …

6.What cell towers does fi use? - Google Fi Community

Url:https://support.google.com/fi/thread/131806408/what-cell-towers-does-fi-use?hl=en

10 hours ago On Flexible, Simply Unlimited and Unlimited Plus, Google Fi does not charge any extra fees to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to share your …

7.How Does Project Fi Work? Cost, Phones, Coverage, …

Url:https://www.dailydot.com/debug/how-does-project-fi-work-cost-phones/

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8.Google Project Fi – What is Project Fi & How Does It Works

Url:https://nepsort.com/google-project-fi-project-fi-pros-cons/

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9.Frequently Asked Questions About Our Phone Plans

Url:https://fi.google.com/about/faq/

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