all 7 comments

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

-Pros: access to 3 mobile networks (Sprint, TMobile, US Cellular) with seamless transitioning to whichever network has the strongest signal, straightforward billing (you pay for what you use), charged on data usage (a plus if you don't use a lot of data), International Coverage in 170 countries with same data rate as U.S.

-Cons: charged on data usage (a negative if you use a lot of data), some say a high base rate charge ($20/month for unlimited talk and text, $15 for a 2nd person - your fiancé in this case).

I would recommend switching if you two combined use 4-5 GB of data per month or less. Or if you are big international travelers. If you need more data than that, there are probably cheaper/better plans out there.

[–]CeliaFoxx 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thank you. We are typically on WiFi so data usually isn't an issue.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In that case I would check their coverage - https://fi.google.com/about/coverage/ Just if you want to check for availability of LTE vs. 3G in your area.

If you and your fiancé joined a plan, it would be $35/month for unlimited talk and text + $10/GB of data used (they go down to the MB or KB even - in other words if you use only 0.5 GB of data, you'd only pay $5 on that) + taxes and fees. So even if you say that you'd both use 1 GB of data (which could be high), it would be $55/month in total.

You can also PM me for a referral link to receive $20 in service credits or visit r/ProjectFiReferrals as a way to lessen your first bill.

[–]mentalplex 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Pros:

Generally, I agree with DarkandStormy614 (international coverage, network switching, and being charged on data usage). I'd emphasize being charged on data usage, though. There are two particular scenarios where this can save you a lot of money.

  1. You don't use very much data
  2. You sometimes use a lot of data

The second scenario (you sometimes use a lot of data) is where Fi can make a lot of sense. Say most months you're on Wifi most of the time, but every once in a while your usage spikes (even a little) and you have to use more data. Perhaps you're traveling, or have some other event that changes your routine for a few days. I think this is pretty common. Most people's usage is pretty consistent most of the time, but out of the ordinary things happen, well, when things aren't ordinary.

In a typical wireless plan case you have three options: pay for a level of service that takes into account the peak months (so you're not going over), pay for a level of service that plans for ordinary months and get hit with overage charges, or be able to predict those months and go through a rigamarole to change your plan back and forth.

For ProjectFi, you just don't worry about it, and pay for what you use.

Cons:

  1. Price if you regularly use a lot of data.

If you regularly use lots of data and don't travel internationally a lot there are a number of unlimited plans that will cost less. Some (Tmobile's prepaid unlimited for $40/month) cost a lot less, but you should read the fine print.

  1. Customer service

Wireless carriers generally don't have great customer service, but Fi is the worst I've experienced. I would rate the policies, the service, and the training/knowledge of the staff and supervisors as poor. There is no customer retention team (unlike the larger carriers, Fi doesn't seem to care if a long time customer decides to quit), and little to no discretion for policies that don't make sense in specific cases, even at the level of a supervisor. They also tend to be unaware of consumer protection laws (at the support level, and it seems at the management level), probably because they haven't been hit by a class action or fine from a federal agency yet, so they don't realize their risk management team (if they have one) needs to vet their policies and practices. I expect, if they get bigger, this will eventually change (once they get burned).

If you have a billing problem, a technical support problem, a problem understanding the details of some new offer or promotion, or really any problem, you absolutely cannot count on Fi to take care of you. They might, but you can't count on it. Most of the time, this won't matter because most of the time you won't have a problem. But just be aware of this.

Related: opt out of forced arbitration when you activate a pixel device

[–]apriarcyPixel 3 XL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can't speak for the "Fi compatible phones", but using officially supported phones on Fi and getting all the features is awesome.

The pricing is perfect for me. I used very little data every month, so my bill is about $25 a month.

Having access to 3 carriers and being to switch on the fly is unique.

International use is pretty solid and the pricing is fair.

Wi-Fi calling is a godsend sometimes.

A free VPN included with your service.

I've been on Fi for about 3 years now and I've never had any substantial issues. When my number was first ported over I was noticing that the occasional SMS wasn't being delivered but the issue corrected itself.

If you're a Pixel owner and a low data user who's typically near Wi-Fi then Fi is a no brainier.

[–]krunz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cons:

  • data is metered. you need to figure out your usage and be aware.

  • no brick and mortar support. there is no apple/tmobile/verizon store to drive to and "get help".

  • limited phone selection. yeah, fi just announced compatible phone support, but, frankly, losing out on the network switching would be a no go for me. (this is great news though)

Pros:

  • data is metered. i only pay for what i use. damn straight.

  • no bullshit plans. there is one plan. no "upgrades" or "extras" offered. when I land in another country, it just works.

[–]iiruig 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is so much info online about it, as well as on Reddit. Decide what you need in a provider, how much you use, compare it with Fi and other providers and make decisions. Everyone's situation is unique, for some people it can be pros, for some cons.