Sep 3, 17, 6:37 am
Last edit by: Zorak
Which countries are supported?
https://support.google.com/fi/answer...intl_countries
Note that in some locations Hangouts (and Gmail) are not available (e.g., China, Russia, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, and more: see link below for full list of excluded countries), so you will need a VPN to access them (or to make VOIP calls via Hangouts Dialer)
https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/3205646
Exceptions:
Listed, but no/spotty service:
Not listed, *did* have service
1- Reboot phone
2- Toggle "airplane mode" on/off. Wait five seconds after toggling off (it resets phone modem).
3- Try manually connecting to each available network (rather than using the auto select feature).
4- Toggle down from 4g to 3g (removing the recommended 4g option) and then try manually connecting to each available network.
5- Toggle down from 3g to 2g and then try manually connecting to each available network.
https://support.google.com/fi/answer...intl_countries
Note that in some locations Hangouts (and Gmail) are not available (e.g., China, Russia, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, and more: see link below for full list of excluded countries), so you will need a VPN to access them (or to make VOIP calls via Hangouts Dialer)
https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/3205646
Exceptions:
Listed, but no/spotty service:
- Ukraine (Aug 2018) - no service, all providers listed as "forbidden". Post #660
- Alaska (Jul 2018) -- had voice service, but inconsistent/spotty data (try forcing Sprint)
- Peru (Sep 2016) post 341, 360
- Grand Cayman Island (Jan 2018) post 547
Not listed, *did* have service
Belize (Jan 2018) post 547Belize now appears on the "supported" international list
1- Reboot phone
2- Toggle "airplane mode" on/off. Wait five seconds after toggling off (it resets phone modem).
3- Try manually connecting to each available network (rather than using the auto select feature).
4- Toggle down from 4g to 3g (removing the recommended 4g option) and then try manually connecting to each available network.
5- Toggle down from 3g to 2g and then try manually connecting to each available network.
Google Fi: Anyone care to post their experience?
Jun 27, 15, 2:21 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 233
Additionally I don't do contracts since I travel a lot.
Not easy to find a SIM card with competitive voice and data roaming under those circumstances.
Jun 27, 15, 4:51 pm
#17
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,636
What I'm seeing is a split (in my mind) between the best data options and the best voice options which keeps driving me towards a dual SIM phone. You can now find many data plans that offer pools of data which can be used in multiple countries. You can also find various SIMs which offer really cheap voice-- some of which offer free incoming on a US number (meaning an uncharged cheap phone number) opening the door to great callback possibilities.
Google's voice rates are higher than EU directives. The data at 256 up and down is acceptable, but slower than some packages. Since Google is charging for the data, it seems less likely that Google will cut you off for excessive foreign use which has been a problem with TMobile. The problem is that Project Fi only works on a Nexus 6 which is not dual SIMMed.
Keepgo and MTX Connect seem like good deals for a cross-border data shopper who wants non-throttled data.
Google's voice rates are higher than EU directives. The data at 256 up and down is acceptable, but slower than some packages. Since Google is charging for the data, it seems less likely that Google will cut you off for excessive foreign use which has been a problem with TMobile. The problem is that Project Fi only works on a Nexus 6 which is not dual SIMMed.
Keepgo and MTX Connect seem like good deals for a cross-border data shopper who wants non-throttled data.
Last edited by Dubai Stu; Jul 2, 15 at 8:08 pm
Jun 29, 15, 7:35 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 205
Received the SIM today.
After installing the Fi app, I "transferred" my number over and it took about 15 minutes from start to finish probably because it was a Google Voice number. I suspect that if I had tried to port my wireless number from T-Mo, it would probably be a more drawn-out process.
Call quality and data speed on LTE is the same as what I experienced as a T-Mo customer so far. I wasn't worried about the call quality as much as I was being potentially throttled on the data aspect.
The amenity kit that came with the SIM card contained a pair of ear buds of average quality, a case for the N6 (It feels better than the one that I'm using now but I doubt that it would be sufficient for any kind of a drop so I'll stick with the one that I'm already using for now), and a 6,000 mAh external charger all in the white/green Google Fi color theme.
After installing the Fi app, I "transferred" my number over and it took about 15 minutes from start to finish probably because it was a Google Voice number. I suspect that if I had tried to port my wireless number from T-Mo, it would probably be a more drawn-out process.
Call quality and data speed on LTE is the same as what I experienced as a T-Mo customer so far. I wasn't worried about the call quality as much as I was being potentially throttled on the data aspect.
The amenity kit that came with the SIM card contained a pair of ear buds of average quality, a case for the N6 (It feels better than the one that I'm using now but I doubt that it would be sufficient for any kind of a drop so I'll stick with the one that I'm already using for now), and a 6,000 mAh external charger all in the white/green Google Fi color theme.
Jun 30, 15, 8:45 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: IAD
Programs: United Premier Gold, *wood Gold
Posts: 39
I'm extremely impressed with the phone so far. Reception has been extremely good and in some cases better than what I have with AT&T. Still lost cell reception in the office elevator, but that's where the Fi system really proved its chops. The office Wifi system can reach into the lobby of our building but it gets weaker as you enter the lobby. Fi was able to keep my call connected via wifi and then did a smooth transition to the cell network. Was nice not having the call dropped as it normally does.
Jun 30, 15, 12:48 pm
#20
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,426
The amenity kit that came with the SIM card contained a pair of ear buds of average quality, a case for the N6 (It feels better than the one that I'm using now but I doubt that it would be sufficient for any kind of a drop so I'll stick with the one that I'm already using for now), and a 6,000 mAh external charger all in the white/green Google Fi color theme.
Jul 2, 15, 8:40 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DAB
Programs: DL PM UA PSilver Marriott Lifetime Plat, AMEX Platinum, Avis PC, UA MPPPlus
Posts: 961
24 hours later and my Project Fi service is good
I'm a little over 48 hours (sub title is wrong) past the unboxing of my Nexus 6 and activation of Project Fi service. The porting of my existing cell phone number over from TMo went smoothly and was complete in 10 minutes.
There was a point in the setup of the Nexus 6 where I used NFC and Bluetooth to transfer over settings from my Nexus 5, and then a lot of the setup was automated. I still had to do some things manually but it was less work than I've had to do for previous phone switches.
I've seen my phone switch between T Mobile and Sprint towers in this area, and have gotten or made calls on both, as well as answered an incoming call using Hangouts on my PC. I'm not a high volume talker or texter so if there are issues it might take a while for me to notice and report them. The only thing I've reported so far are 3 phantom incoming call notifications on my AndroidWear watch that were not real.
There was a point in the setup of the Nexus 6 where I used NFC and Bluetooth to transfer over settings from my Nexus 5, and then a lot of the setup was automated. I still had to do some things manually but it was less work than I've had to do for previous phone switches.
I've seen my phone switch between T Mobile and Sprint towers in this area, and have gotten or made calls on both, as well as answered an incoming call using Hangouts on my PC. I'm not a high volume talker or texter so if there are issues it might take a while for me to notice and report them. The only thing I've reported so far are 3 phantom incoming call notifications on my AndroidWear watch that were not real.
Last edited by edweird; Jul 2, 15 at 8:43 pm Reason: changed 24 to 48
Jul 3, 15, 3:47 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DAB
Programs: DL PM UA PSilver Marriott Lifetime Plat, AMEX Platinum, Avis PC, UA MPPPlus
Posts: 961
Ventured into a previous no service area today
Florida is pretty flat and for the most part cellular coverage here is good except for wilderness areas where towers aren't allowed or it makes no sense to invest money in coverage. Only a few dead spots did I encounter in my daily routine, and they were inside buildings. This has to do with the ability for signals to penetrate inside.
One of them was my local grocery store, and I'd always see my phone drop from LTE, to 3G, to UMTS (2G) and then no service while inside. Well today was my first trip back with Project Fi service.
When I arrived I was still using a T Mobile tower and saw the same progressive decline while I circled the aisles inside. (as a side note, I'm wearing an AndroidWear watch and have an app installed that notifies me when my networks change) I saw the NO SERVICE message and shortly there after got a Sprint - LTE status indication. Project Fi switched me onto a Sprint service tower and I remained on that as I continued to shop and I'm still on it hours after returning home.
The switching isn't super aggressive at this point, but it appears to me to be doing as it's supposed to.
One of them was my local grocery store, and I'd always see my phone drop from LTE, to 3G, to UMTS (2G) and then no service while inside. Well today was my first trip back with Project Fi service.
When I arrived I was still using a T Mobile tower and saw the same progressive decline while I circled the aisles inside. (as a side note, I'm wearing an AndroidWear watch and have an app installed that notifies me when my networks change) I saw the NO SERVICE message and shortly there after got a Sprint - LTE status indication. Project Fi switched me onto a Sprint service tower and I remained on that as I continued to shop and I'm still on it hours after returning home.
The switching isn't super aggressive at this point, but it appears to me to be doing as it's supposed to.
Jul 4, 15, 4:03 pm
#24
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 220
I am fairly pleased with the service myself, but a cautionary tale to existing Google Voice users:
Be aware that if you port in your existing (using it prior to Fi) GV number, if you want it back out you MUST then transfer the number to another Google account if you want to keep the GV number (I assume most would).
I decided I wanted to port my GV number back to GV "proper" instead of having it be my Fi phone number, primarily because I missed the capability of texting from my GV number using a browser.
I went back and forth with Fi support several times (hats off to them, very responsible and accessible, unlike "support" on other Google products) and learned that you can port your GV number back out, but because your Project Fi invite is tied to a specific google/gmail account (and likely the same account you are using with GV - in my case anyway) you have to transfer the GV number to a different Google account if preserving that number is important to you (it was to me). So, what you do in that case is request the number be ported out and back to GV proper. When this occurs, you are notified, and then you must transfer the GV number within GV settings to a different Google Account.
So, the moral of the story from my perspective is that if you are already a GV user and happy with it and do not want to lose the features of it, then do not port your GV number into it. An even better option would be to sign up for Fi using a completely different google account, and what I wish I would have done in the first place.
In the end, it worked out ok for me, as I was able to port my GV number back out, and then transfer it to a new Google account. I ended up with another Google account to manage in the process though.
Be aware that if you port in your existing (using it prior to Fi) GV number, if you want it back out you MUST then transfer the number to another Google account if you want to keep the GV number (I assume most would).
I decided I wanted to port my GV number back to GV "proper" instead of having it be my Fi phone number, primarily because I missed the capability of texting from my GV number using a browser.
I went back and forth with Fi support several times (hats off to them, very responsible and accessible, unlike "support" on other Google products) and learned that you can port your GV number back out, but because your Project Fi invite is tied to a specific google/gmail account (and likely the same account you are using with GV - in my case anyway) you have to transfer the GV number to a different Google account if preserving that number is important to you (it was to me). So, what you do in that case is request the number be ported out and back to GV proper. When this occurs, you are notified, and then you must transfer the GV number within GV settings to a different Google Account.
So, the moral of the story from my perspective is that if you are already a GV user and happy with it and do not want to lose the features of it, then do not port your GV number into it. An even better option would be to sign up for Fi using a completely different google account, and what I wish I would have done in the first place.
In the end, it worked out ok for me, as I was able to port my GV number back out, and then transfer it to a new Google account. I ended up with another Google account to manage in the process though.
Jul 5, 15, 2:13 pm
#25
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,426
I am fairly pleased with the service myself, but a cautionary tale to existing Google Voice users:
Be aware that if you port in your existing (using it prior to Fi) GV number, if you want it back out you MUST then transfer the number to another Google account if you want to keep the GV number (I assume most would).
I decided I wanted to port my GV number back to GV "proper" instead of having it be my Fi phone number, primarily because I missed the capability of texting from my GV number using a browser.
I went back and forth with Fi support several times (hats off to them, very responsible and accessible, unlike "support" on other Google products) and learned that you can port your GV number back out, but because your Project Fi invite is tied to a specific google/gmail account (and likely the same account you are using with GV - in my case anyway) you have to transfer the GV number to a different Google account if preserving that number is important to you (it was to me). So, what you do in that case is request the number be ported out and back to GV proper. When this occurs, you are notified, and then you must transfer the GV number within GV settings to a different Google Account.
So, the moral of the story from my perspective is that if you are already a GV user and happy with it and do not want to lose the features of it, then do not port your GV number into it. An even better option would be to sign up for Fi using a completely different google account, and what I wish I would have done in the first place.
In the end, it worked out ok for me, as I was able to port my GV number back out, and then transfer it to a new Google account. I ended up with another Google account to manage in the process though.
Be aware that if you port in your existing (using it prior to Fi) GV number, if you want it back out you MUST then transfer the number to another Google account if you want to keep the GV number (I assume most would).
I decided I wanted to port my GV number back to GV "proper" instead of having it be my Fi phone number, primarily because I missed the capability of texting from my GV number using a browser.
I went back and forth with Fi support several times (hats off to them, very responsible and accessible, unlike "support" on other Google products) and learned that you can port your GV number back out, but because your Project Fi invite is tied to a specific google/gmail account (and likely the same account you are using with GV - in my case anyway) you have to transfer the GV number to a different Google account if preserving that number is important to you (it was to me). So, what you do in that case is request the number be ported out and back to GV proper. When this occurs, you are notified, and then you must transfer the GV number within GV settings to a different Google Account.
So, the moral of the story from my perspective is that if you are already a GV user and happy with it and do not want to lose the features of it, then do not port your GV number into it. An even better option would be to sign up for Fi using a completely different google account, and what I wish I would have done in the first place.
In the end, it worked out ok for me, as I was able to port my GV number back out, and then transfer it to a new Google account. I ended up with another Google account to manage in the process though.
Or, if I'm following you, I can port my GV number into Google Fi, then port it out to a new Google account, then port over my regular cell number to Google Fi?
Jul 5, 15, 6:47 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 220
Just to make sure I understand: I have a Google Voice that I use (infrequently and only for a select distribution list). I have a non-GV mobile number that my contacts have and use. When I port my non-GV number to Google Fi, I'm going to lose my GV number, right?
Or, if I'm following you, I can port my GV number into Google Fi, then port it out to a new Google account, then port over my regular cell number to Google Fi?
Or, if I'm following you, I can port my GV number into Google Fi, then port it out to a new Google account, then port over my regular cell number to Google Fi?
I think in your case, you should be fine. Project Fi and GV numbers can be mutually exclusive. I ported my GV number into Fi not fully understanding the ramifications of doing it. Had I to do it over again, I would have just had Fi issue me a new, random number as I don't care what it is. I thought there was going to be some inherent advantage to porting in my GV number, but from my perspective and use case, there really is not. In fact, in my experience, porting in my GV number to Fi caused a loss of functionality (could no longer text from my GV # via the web, for example).
I use GV heavily, and it is the principal number I give out. I then have several other numbers associated with it. When I get my new SIM card from Fi with a new random number, I am just going to add that to GV alongside the other mobile numbers I was using with GV prior to Fi. My personal cell is on T-Mobile, and my office cell is on AT&T, and I have those both associated with my GV account/phone number.
I just like the core purpose of GV back to its inception as Grand Central. I like being able to carry one phone than will ring multiple numbers and all the other mix/match features that come along with that flexibility.
If I were you, I would port in your non-GV number to Fi, especially if Fi is going to replace another service for you. For me, it was additive.
Jul 6, 15, 12:29 pm
#27
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,426
I know it is confusing, and it was for me as to how they handle existing Google Voice numbers.
I think in your case, you should be fine. Project Fi and GV numbers can be mutually exclusive. I ported my GV number into Fi not fully understanding the ramifications of doing it. Had I to do it over again, I would have just had Fi issue me a new, random number as I don't care what it is. I thought there was going to be some inherent advantage to porting in my GV number, but from my perspective and use case, there really is not. In fact, in my experience, porting in my GV number to Fi caused a loss of functionality (could no longer text from my GV # via the web, for example).
I use GV heavily, and it is the principal number I give out. I then have several other numbers associated with it. When I get my new SIM card from Fi with a new random number, I am just going to add that to GV alongside the other mobile numbers I was using with GV prior to Fi. My personal cell is on T-Mobile, and my office cell is on AT&T, and I have those both associated with my GV account/phone number.
I just like the core purpose of GV back to its inception as Grand Central. I like being able to carry one phone than will ring multiple numbers and all the other mix/match features that come along with that flexibility.
If I were you, I would port in your non-GV number to Fi, especially if Fi is going to replace another service for you. For me, it was additive.
I think in your case, you should be fine. Project Fi and GV numbers can be mutually exclusive. I ported my GV number into Fi not fully understanding the ramifications of doing it. Had I to do it over again, I would have just had Fi issue me a new, random number as I don't care what it is. I thought there was going to be some inherent advantage to porting in my GV number, but from my perspective and use case, there really is not. In fact, in my experience, porting in my GV number to Fi caused a loss of functionality (could no longer text from my GV # via the web, for example).
I use GV heavily, and it is the principal number I give out. I then have several other numbers associated with it. When I get my new SIM card from Fi with a new random number, I am just going to add that to GV alongside the other mobile numbers I was using with GV prior to Fi. My personal cell is on T-Mobile, and my office cell is on AT&T, and I have those both associated with my GV account/phone number.
I just like the core purpose of GV back to its inception as Grand Central. I like being able to carry one phone than will ring multiple numbers and all the other mix/match features that come along with that flexibility.
If I were you, I would port in your non-GV number to Fi, especially if Fi is going to replace another service for you. For me, it was additive.
My newest issue: Thursday night my new Nexus 6 (~month old) stopped charging thanks to an issue with the USB port. Ordered a Qi charger for next day delivery -- I can't go into a holiday weekend without a phone! Google's shipping me a replacement, but no tracking info has posted yet. I was planning to port my number over this week, since my Straight Talk plan renewed the day before the Project Fi invite arrived. And I'm going to Canada next week, so I need to get off ST before doing that. But I'm not happy about the idea of having to port to the defective Nexus 6 and then do an IMEI update once the new phone arrives. Argh...unwanted headaches!
(Charging this weekend was ridiculous because I was on the go. I'd get the phone & Qi matched up and then rubber band the whole thing in place so it would charge in my purse.)
Jul 7, 15, 10:17 am
#28
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 220
That really stinks. Sorry to hear it. My personal jury is still out on the Nexus 6. I want to like it, and the "pure google" experience with Android 5.1 is a pleasure without all of the bloat from the likes of Samsung with TouchWiz, but it is little things with the Nexus 6 that kill me.
For example, the Nexus 6 does not support video out via either standards such as MHL or SlimPort. I know Google is might proud of the Chromecast and wireless streaming, but sometimes I just need to make a wired connection.
Same with the lack of MicroSD card slot and a removable battery.
Frustrating.
For example, the Nexus 6 does not support video out via either standards such as MHL or SlimPort. I know Google is might proud of the Chromecast and wireless streaming, but sometimes I just need to make a wired connection.
Same with the lack of MicroSD card slot and a removable battery.
Frustrating.
Jul 7, 15, 12:29 pm
#29
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,426
That really stinks. Sorry to hear it. My personal jury is still out on the Nexus 6. I want to like it, and the "pure google" experience with Android 5.1 is a pleasure without all of the bloat from the likes of Samsung with TouchWiz, but it is little things with the Nexus 6 that kill me.
For example, the Nexus 6 does not support video out via either standards such as MHL or SlimPort. I know Google is might proud of the Chromecast and wireless streaming, but sometimes I just need to make a wired connection.
Same with the lack of MicroSD card slot and a removable battery.
Frustrating.
For example, the Nexus 6 does not support video out via either standards such as MHL or SlimPort. I know Google is might proud of the Chromecast and wireless streaming, but sometimes I just need to make a wired connection.
Same with the lack of MicroSD card slot and a removable battery.
Frustrating.
The Nexus 6 has some advantages over the Nexus 4 -- longer battery life chief among them -- but I dislike the size (can't type with the hand that's also holding the phone) and the price was a lot steeper than the Nexus 4 and earlier phones. I went with the version that has the larger storage (64GB?) and use cloud services to back things up, so the storage/lack of SD card doesn't bother me. But overall: I probably would have opted for a different phone if it weren't for Google Fi, which I want because it seems to be the only no-contract plan that offers overseas roaming. (Some seem to allow Canada & Mexico roaming, but I need more than that.)
Replacement Nexus 6 should arrive tomorrow, so hopefully porting will go smoothly and I'll be switched over before heading to Montreal this weekend!
Jul 8, 15, 9:22 pm
#30
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,426
Started the porting process at about 4 pm CT today. Five hours later the number still hasn't ported though Google Fi says the activation process is complete. 
(They do say it can take up to 24 hours.)
I'm porting from StraightTalk on AT&T's network, so I'm a little nervous about the process for a few reasons:
* Google looked at my number and identifies it as being ported from AT&T. (I'm hoping that's a matter of semantics. For the last few years, Google has thought all of my phones were on AT&T despite being on ST.)
* It's hard to get a straight answer from StraightTalk about the account number and PIN, which are required to port. On this first try I'm using my SIM card number (I was on their "bring your own phone plan") and the last four digits of my phone number...that's the best guidance I received.
* Midway through the activation process (you use a Project Fi app to activate) I got a message on the drop-down menu telling me to click to complete the activation and it took me to a screen that seemed to presume I was getting a new phone number rather than porting an existing number. I simply exited and then chatted with a Google rep who said the porting was in process and it could take up to 24 hours.
Anyone else done a ST->Fi port?
(They do say it can take up to 24 hours.)I'm porting from StraightTalk on AT&T's network, so I'm a little nervous about the process for a few reasons:
* Google looked at my number and identifies it as being ported from AT&T. (I'm hoping that's a matter of semantics. For the last few years, Google has thought all of my phones were on AT&T despite being on ST.)
* It's hard to get a straight answer from StraightTalk about the account number and PIN, which are required to port. On this first try I'm using my SIM card number (I was on their "bring your own phone plan") and the last four digits of my phone number...that's the best guidance I received.
* Midway through the activation process (you use a Project Fi app to activate) I got a message on the drop-down menu telling me to click to complete the activation and it took me to a screen that seemed to presume I was getting a new phone number rather than porting an existing number. I simply exited and then chatted with a Google rep who said the porting was in process and it could take up to 24 hours.
Anyone else done a ST->Fi port?
