Google Fi Basics: Understanding the Network of Networks

This page explains what Google’s Project Fi is and how it works. It also covers the Nexus 6 smartphone requirements for using Project Fi. Project Fi, now known as Google Fi, is a Google-initiated technology concept that can be described as a “network of networks.”

The core idea is to provide a single SIM card that offers both Wi-Fi and cellular services to subscribers globally. Google partners with various network providers to develop SIM cards that support multiple networks. With Google Fi, subscribers can access voice and data services worldwide and pay based on the rates set by local telecom providers. Originally, only the Nexus 6 mobile phone supported Project Fi services as of August 2015, but now many phones are supported.

Google Fi supports voice, SMS/MMS, and data in over 120 countries (now over 200). Subscribers can only access Google Fi services in countries where the coverage is available. To use Google Fi, interested users need to sign up on the Google Fi website and own a compatible phone.

During signup, Google checks if Google Fi is available in the user’s region based on the entered zip code. Google has partnered with leading carriers in the US, such as T-Mobile and Sprint (now T-Mobile), to launch Google Fi.

How Project Fi Works

A conceptual representation of Project Fi.

In Google Fi, a subscriber with a compatible phone can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots as well as multiple LTE networks. The phone intelligently selects the best available network based on signal strength.

The diagram illustrates this: Car-B chooses the Wi-Fi service over LTE-1 and LTE-2 networks. Car-C receives signals from LTE-1 and LTE-2 and chooses the best signal from LTE-1.

Similarly, based on the received signal strength, a mobile phone chooses either a Wi-Fi hotspot or an LTE network for its service. Seamless service for Google Fi users requires smooth handovers between WLAN (Wi-Fi) and LTE, and vice versa.

These handover types are supported by compatible phones. Therefore, to use Google Fi, the phone must support both WLAN and LTE networks. “Wi-Fi” and “WLAN” are often used interchangeably, as Wi-Fi service is based on WLAN standards.

Nexus 6 Phone for Project Fi (Historical Context)

Note: While the Nexus 6 was originally required, Google Fi now supports a wide range of devices.

The following were the key Nexus 6 features required to obtain the Project Fi service:

Hopefully, this page has helped you understand the basics of Google Project Fi (now Google Fi).

For further information and FAQs on Google Fi, please visit the following link: https://fi.google.com/about/faq/