You can now get T-Mobile's 5G on Google Fi
I did not realize until recently that T-Mobile's current 5G wasn't really the ridiculously-fast 5G like Verizon. Heck, I can even get around 70mbps on Tracfone prepaid SIM on AT&T regular 4G LTE network around here. (which is faster than what reviewers gotten on T-Mobile "5G" service in New York City)
Although... anything that makes T-Mobile data go faster sounds great.
More on reddit.comAnyone know the timeline for Project Fi to be bridged over to 5G?
As Fi is kinda an MVNO they don't really control infrastructure changes, I think a lot will also depend on Sprint/T-Mobile merger. I am pretty sure either Sprint or Tmobile just announced some 5g rollout, but I am not sure any of the current devices support 5g bands. Its not like they flip some switch and it suddenly works.
Not to mention while most networks rolled out "4g" by the actual definition of "4g" most networks didn't actually qualify but they needed a marketing point to sell more plans, so the big 4 (Tmobile/Spring/Verzion/At&T) all agreed that they would call "3g+" "4g" so they could market something new.
I would expect newer Pixel devices to start adding 5g band support eventually, but it might be another year we will know in September I believe.
More on reddit.comGoogle Fi 5G is exceptional
eSIM + Google Fi + S21 Ultra 5G (unlocked from Samsung) + One UI Beta 4?
I'm also interested
More on reddit.comWhich phones work with Google Fi?
There are two main types of devices that work with Google Fi Wireless. Here is a breakdown of each one and which is the best to use.
- Designed for Fi phones: These phones include the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Moto G 5G (2024), Samsung Galaxy A71 5G and Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 5. See Google maintains a full list of devices on its website. They all support Fi, with no limitations. That way you get full network switching capabilities, access to the Google Fi VPN service, and more. These phones, if bought direct from Google Fi, either come with a Google Fi Wireless SIM card or the Google Fi app installed.
- Compatible with Fi phones: Google Fi Wireless technically works with any unlocked Android phone and even iPhone, but with some major limitations. They can't handle Fi's network switching capabilities, so you're stuck with T-Mobile, and they don't get Fi's always-on VPN feature. These phones may require a Google Fi SIM card that Google will ship to you for free once you sign up for Fi online.
You'll get the best Google Fi Wireless experience on a Pixel phone, like the new Pixel 8a, or one of the "Designed for Fi" devices, but don't let that stop you from trying another device if you need to save some money or don't want to upgrade.
How do iPhones work on Google Fi?
Google Fi Wireless added support for iPhones in 2020, and even four years later, the option is still described as a beta. That's because, even if modern iPhones' support of eSIM makes using one on the Fi network as simple as downloading an app, there are some notable limitations. Like we previously mentioned, as "Compatible" but not "Designed for Fi," iPhones are limited to T-Mobile. They also require extra work to set up SMS and MMS texting, though iMessage does work as soon as Fi is set up.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't try and bring your iPhone to Google Fi, but if you're not in the mood to dig into settings to make everything work how it should, you'd be better off switching phones or staying on your current carrier.
Videos
Have a friend that works as a network engineer for Verizon and he has been telling me that his team is setting up 5G network infrastructure and antennas around certain locations in Southern California. He is really excited about how RIDICULOUSLY fast the new network is(or how it has been in testing stages).
Anyone know if Google is going to be joining that parade?
As Fi is kinda an MVNO they don't really control infrastructure changes, I think a lot will also depend on Sprint/T-Mobile merger. I am pretty sure either Sprint or Tmobile just announced some 5g rollout, but I am not sure any of the current devices support 5g bands. Its not like they flip some switch and it suddenly works.
Not to mention while most networks rolled out "4g" by the actual definition of "4g" most networks didn't actually qualify but they needed a marketing point to sell more plans, so the big 4 (Tmobile/Spring/Verzion/At&T) all agreed that they would call "3g+" "4g" so they could market something new.
I would expect newer Pixel devices to start adding 5g band support eventually, but it might be another year we will know in September I believe.
Anyone know if Google is going to be joining that parade?
They'll likely have access as soon as USCC, Sprint, and T-Mobile have infrastructure in place (and allow MVNOs access). IE: It's going to be a while.
I have 5G home internet with T-Mobile. Before I switched to Fi, I still had T-Mobile prepaid too and speed on TMo prepaid aligns with home internet pretty much. Wasn’t too shabby in rural Idaho but Fi is exceptional. I know they use the same service but I constantly get better 5g speed on Fi.
For some reason it shows T-Mobile as a provider but it’s Fi. TMo gets about down 250-300 up 25-40
Overall, very happy. Used Fi customer service chat few times too, no hiccups (what everyone was concerned about)