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Project Fi by Google

fi.google.com

201–210 of 608 posts

Re: Project Fi by Google

#201

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is just another manifestation of software eating the world. What makes Google competitive in any industry? Its talent in software.

>What makes Google competitive in any industry? Having a goose who lays golden eggs (search + adsense) to subsidize development?

Basically any new business needs capital, so not sure what you mean here. Where do you think VCs get their money, for instance?

Re: Project Fi by Google

#202

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The FAQ isn't particularly helpful, considering that instead of directly answering the FAQs, Google just kind of weasels its way around them. For example: "Q: Does moving between networks affect my battery life? A: We like full batteries too. Our software is optimized to not put extra strain on your battery by only moving you between networks when absolutely necessary." Just say "Yes", Google. Just say fucking "Yes".…

> Just say "Yes", Google. Just say fucking "Yes". It's not that fucking hard to say fucking "Yes". Do you really need a "yes" there? I think it is pretty normal to have a stupid PR response there -- of course the answer is "yes". There is no other way.

Then why have it on the FAQ?

Re: Project Fi by Google

#203

> Pay one rate for data around the world > > In 120+ countries, data usage costs the same $10 per GB > as it does in the US (data speed is limited to 256kbps/3G). > Check email, get directions, and keep in touch with friends > and family when on your trip. Also, call around the world > for 20c per minute and send unlimited international texts. This sounds incredible. Roaming cellular transmission costs are enormous.…

FWIW, T-Mobile in the US already has the exact same offering [1]. Their plan has free texts and 2g data in 120+ countries. Calls cost 20 cents per minute. [1] http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html

Yeah, but other telcos in other countries don't have that offer. So a universal cheap data rate will be game changer.

Re: Project Fi by Google

#204
Looks great for international travelers, but this would more than double my $30 monthly unlimited data plan from T-Mobile. I used 5.2GB last month, so that would cost me $73.

Re: Project Fi by Google

#205
post #40

"We refund the data you don't use" is basically a way of saying "you pay by the megabyte for the data you do use" -- which is actually really great, I've been frustrated that everyone's settled on "all-you-can-eat" data as the standard, it doesn't align incentives well at all. And they really are refunding it: if you use 1.2GB per month, it doesn't matter whether you sign up for 2, 5, or 10GB, your bill comes out exa…

This plan actually makes no sense. Overage charges are the same rate ($10 / GB), so why am I buying a "plan" at all? Why don't they just charge $10 * x gigs / month instead of all this buying / refunding business?

They're equivalent plans, but people have cognitive biases. Here are a couple of explanations from Propspect Theory:

- refunds are perceived as gains (against the reference point of the monthly charge), whereas a fee is perceived as a loss (and losses hurt more) - bills are capped so the the possibility of big fees (losses) is eliminated (people struggle with probabilities and fear extremely unlikely events)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_economics#Prospect_t...

Re: Project Fi by Google

#206
This is great. I was hoping the data charges would be cheaper. The T-mobile $30 prepaid plan gives you unlimited data with the first 5 gigs at LTE speeds. You also get 100 minutes. This works incredibly well for me as I mostly use my phone for data. If I need to make a call, I'll use google hangouts over LTE.

Re: Project Fi by Google

#207

For those who don't want to read the FAQ or find the video incredibly unhelpful [1]: a. It only supports the Nexus 6 out of the gate. b. It automatically switches you to the "fastest" network available. Partners out of the gate are Sprint and T-mobile. Sounds like it prefers Wifi, then 4G LTE, and then degrades down to 3G or 2G. c. Pricing is $20 for unlimited talk (domestic) and text (domestic and international) and…

Just as a point of reference, this is about on par with AT&T family share plans - I pay $145 a month for 3 iphones, unlimited text and talk with 10 gigs shared data. With taxes and fees it comes out to right around $160 (which would be the same here if I used all 10 gigs). The down side is that I'm not refunded for any unused data, so I pay that every month. But we use a good chunk of it every month, so this wouldn't…

I also use an AT&T share plan and they recently started rolling over unused data. So while I'm not getting money back I feel like I'm at least accruing something when I don't get close to my max.

Depending on your plan they might be doing the same for you now too?

Re: Project Fi by Google

#208
One day it would be nice to not have large chunks of the country not covered by good cell service. Since this service can make calls over WiFi that would remedy some of the situations I have been in where I had WiFi at a campground or similar but cell was spotty or non existent. Granted making a call over the WiFi provided at some camps might not be all the possible.

edit, another area I found little to no cell service was the turnpikes through Virgina and West Virgina.

Re: Project Fi by Google

#209

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Just say "Yes", Google. Just say fucking "Yes". It's not that fucking hard to say fucking "Yes". Do you really need a "yes" there? I think it is pretty normal to have a stupid PR response there -- of course the answer is "yes". There is no other way.

Then why have it on the FAQ?

Again, for PR reasons.

Re: Project Fi by Google

#210
post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/shop/serviceplan... has a 3GB plan for a year at $41.25 per month. Google's pricing for the same amount is $50 per month. So the question is whether all the new features (wifi calling, international roaming, pay-for-usage) justify the extra $9, plus the cost of a new phone for those without a Nexus 6. (Wifi calling should probably be left out of that list, since it's most l…

T-Mobile has a 5GB (LTE) + unlimited (slowed after 5GB) plan for $30/month. It only has 100 minutes, but you can use Google Voice or similar over data. And who talks on the phone anymore anyway?

The reason I mentioned Straight Talk was that it works with all 4 main US carriers. T-Mobile doesn't have service everywhere.

>And who talks on the phone anymore anyway?

I know a number of people who wouldn't buy a plan unless it had unlimited minutes. Some people use their phones for talking heavily.

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