Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Google is getting into just about every corner of the consumer technology market. From an impressive lineup of Pixel phones to smart home products and even your mobile coverage with Google Fi. Google Fi has become an increasingly popular carrier with affordable plans and support for just about any phone. But what network does Google Fi use, and how does it work? We’ll answer those questions in this guide.
Read more: Google Fi buyer’s guide: Pricing, plans, and more
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Google Fi is unique among MVNOs because it uses both T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks for coverage. They’ve also added a W+ network of Wi-Fi hotspots to expand coverage across the U.S.
What network is Google Fi using, and is it good or bad?
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Google Fi is unique because it operates on T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks without being owned by those companies. Sprint used to contribute to Google Fi, but now it’s fully controlled by T-Mobile. The combination of networks means that Fi can flexibly switch between more cell towers to provide 4G LTE in more places.
Google Fi relies on multiple mobile networks from T-mobile and U.S. Cellular, as well as secure Wi-Fi connections.
Thanks to its relationship with T-Mobile, those with a Google Fi plan can tap into nationwide 5G. As long as your phone is 5G-capable, you’ll automatically connect. Currently, Google Fi only serves customers in the United States. However, Fi is the carrier to beat if you travel abroad. You get free texts and international calls from just one cent per minute and data at the standard rate.
If you have a Pixel phone, you’ll get more perks from using Google Fi. Namely, Pixel users can take advantage of the W+ network of Wi-Fi hotspots, which can be found in areas of low coverage, such as certain airports, malls, and stadiums. However, using these W+ hotspots still counts toward your Google Fi data plan.
How does Google Fi compare to the competition?
Ultimately, determining the best carrier depends on your personal needs. Google Fi offers three different plans, each with more benefits for those traveling across North America or abroad. With networks in over 200 countries, you should have reliable coverage no matter where you go.
However, if you have an iPhone, you won’t get the full slate of Google Fi’s features, such as network switching, and the maximum number of features are exclusive to Google’s own Pixel phones.
| Cricket More | Visible | Mint Mobile | Google Fi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
Cricket More
$60 for one line |
Visible
$40 per month |
Mint Mobile
$45 per month |
Google Fi
$70 for one line |
|
Host Operator |
Cricket More
AT&T |
Visible
Verizon |
Mint Mobile
T-Mobile |
Google Fi
T-Mobile |
|
Talk and Text |
Cricket More
Unlimited |
Visible
Unlimited |
Mint Mobile
Unlimited |
Google Fi
Unlimited |
|
Data |
Cricket More
Unlimited 4G LTE |
Visible
Unlimited 4G LTE |
Mint Mobile
Unlimited |
Google Fi
Unlimited |
|
Extras |
Cricket More
Standard Definition streaming |
Visible
Mobile Hotspot |
Mint Mobile
None |
Google Fi
Full-speed hotspot |
|
International |
Cricket More
Mexico and Canada usage up to 50% |
Visible
None |
Mint Mobile
International calls to Mexico and Canada |
Google Fi
Free calls to over 50 countries |
FAQs
No, Google Fi does not use Verizon cell towers.
Google Fi uses both T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks for coverage.
As part of its launch, Google Fi had a promotion in 2018 for a free month of service to new customers. You can check out current Google Fi promotions and discounts here.
