2020 cell phone plans

[lordjust]

I've used Google FI quite a bit internationally. I've used it in about 10 countries and the only one I had any trouble in was Hungary (and I blame my phone at the time since my sister had FI there as well and her phone worked fine). Generally when I've crossed borders it's reconfigured to be on the local network with a couple of minutes. Data rates are the same internationally. I rarely make voice calls so I can't rate that reliability but data and text have worked well for me.

I end up bouncing around on WiFi or cell using data per the apps LINE and HANGOUTS (soon to die) if i have want to limit my use of GoogleFI cell. LINE is preferred for me. Just a tip for those of you that travel its .01 per minute.

 

[Markola]

You probably don't need to buy Google Fi phones. Your Verizon phones should work on the networks Google uses.

@Markola, you can pause Google Fi plans for up to 3 months, so about 4 times a year you need to re-pause them again. That sounds like a bit of a hassle.

I use it.. I have traveled with it to south and central america. Not sure what you mean by providers as i believe google piggy backs on top of tmobile and sprint (now merged). I have only had a few issues and i chose them just because i travel.

Thanks for all the helpful Google FI insights.

 

[CaptTom]

You probably don't need to buy Google Fi phones. Your Verizon phones should work on the networks Google uses.

To be sure, check out:
https://fi.google.com/compatibility

I thought the list was far more limited than it is. But I just went there and it would appear a lot of devices are compatible.

 

[braumeister]

On certain iPhones now too:

In April, Google started allowing new users to sign up for Google Fi's mobile virtual network service using the eSIM integrated into iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and 2020 iPhone SE models.

Support for eSIM came with Monday's release of Google Fi version 2.5, which allows users with dual-SIM iPhones to free up the physical SIM slot in their handsets.

https://www.macrumors.com/2020/05/20/google-fi-esim-support-for-existing-ios-subs/

 

[Texas Proud]

Just checked Mint and the $15 is a promo price... said the regular price is $25 per month...


Not worth it IMO

 

[lordjust]

To be sure, check out:
https://fi.google.com/compatibility

I thought the list was far more limited than it is. But I just went there and it would appear a lot of devices are compatible.

its best to use 100% compatible phones for WiFi calling (e.g. pixel). I use a iphone se and it currently isnt supported for calls over the internet. This is specific advice for those that wish to talk via phone and NOT use a data connection due to the international rates.

 

[teetee]

I am a super light user using Tello for $20 a year https://tello.com/buy/pay_as_you_go

Tello prepaid method remains to be the best non-free value for low usage users.

I used to pay $10 around every two years of usage with my smartphone, practically used it as a emergency phone. I moved on to monthly plan of whopping $6/mo (1GB data/200min talk/unlimited text) after company pays for it.

I only enable data on my phone for tethering when I need to ask voice assistant questions and search stuff (offline map navigation works better finding locations with internet connection in my car.