Google has launched its new wireless service, Project Fi, in the US, in partnership with Sprint and T-Mobile.
The service will initially be offered to Nexus 6 smartphone users.
The move puts Google in direct competition with giants like AT&T and Verizon with Google saying Project Fi aims to put users on the best network wherever they go.
T-Mobile president and CEO John Legere said in a blog post: "Project Fi is going to make people think differently about wireless — and I love that. Anything that shakes up the industry status quo is a good thing — for both US wireless customers and T-Mobile."
The new service automatically connects to the fastest available network at the user’s location, whether it is WiFi hotspot, or a network of a carrier partner.
Users will be allowed to make calls and texts over WiFi in case of non-availability of cellular coverage. They can also make calls and send texts using their phone number with any device including phone, tablet or laptop.
Fi offers talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering and international coverage in more than 120 countries for $20 a month. Up on that customers need to pay $10 a month for 1GB of cellular data.
Users are charged only for the amount of data they use, helping them to carry forward the unused part.
Google vice-president of communications products Nick Fox said: "As you go about your day, Project Fi automatically connects you to more than a million free, open wi-fi hotspots we’ve verified as fast and reliable.
"Once you’re connected, we help secure your data through encryption. When you’re not on wi-fi, we move you between whichever of our partner networks is delivering the fastest speed, so you get 4G LTE in more places."
Photo: courtesy of kraifreedom / Freedigitalphotos.net.
