Sep 3, 2017, 5:37 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?
May 29, 2018, 3:02 pm
#601
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,915
Jun 6, 2018, 2:23 am
#602
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Don't be so quick to Poopoo "H". I've had some very respectable connections using "H" that were quite a bit faster than some of the LTE connections I was on. That said, E sucks.
Jun 6, 2018, 5:19 am
#603
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEL
Posts: 1,057
T-Mobile in the US is particularly prone to that--they really built out their HSPA+ network, only to roll out LTE a year later. At my old office in DC, LTE would often be useless after 11am during
Jun 6, 2018, 6:08 am
#604
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: Kettle Class
Posts: 796
I face the same LTE issues overseas, most recently in the UK, Germany and NZ. I've often got better connectivity internationally by setting my phone to be on "3G only" mode when roaming and stay on HSPA+ networks, which feel much faster. This tip came directly from Fi Support.
Jun 6, 2018, 8:25 am
#605
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 389
Our household has T-Mo and Project FI, so I can answer this:
T-Mobile's Cellspot marketing is very confusing as they essentially have 3 models.
1. The Wifi Cell Spot you have is basically just an Asus router that has the QOS setting adjusted to optimize T-Mobile's Wifi Calling. Google FI doesn't use this wifi calling method and this will have no effect on your cellular reception. The unit you have is ONLY helpful to t-mobile customers who use wifi calling. Even then, the improvement is marginal vs other modern routers.
2. There is a "repeater"... which I forget what is called. Basically you put one end in a part of the house with reception, then it repeats the cellular signal. This never worked for me as I have crappy reception all over the house.
3. The BEST option is the 4G LTE cellspot. This option is essentially a mini cell tower in your house (about the size of a router). It uses a wired ethernet connection to your home wired internet as backhaul. This tower can be used by up to 10 people simultaneously (I think 10)... including other T-Mobile subscribers outside your household but within range. This ALSO works great w/ project fi. We got the 4G LTE cellspot for my wife due to the poor reception for her t-mo phone in our house... it benefits my Project FI as well (when I'm roaming on t-mo not sprint).
T-Mobile's Cellspot marketing is very confusing as they essentially have 3 models.
1. The Wifi Cell Spot you have is basically just an Asus router that has the QOS setting adjusted to optimize T-Mobile's Wifi Calling. Google FI doesn't use this wifi calling method and this will have no effect on your cellular reception. The unit you have is ONLY helpful to t-mobile customers who use wifi calling. Even then, the improvement is marginal vs other modern routers.
2. There is a "repeater"... which I forget what is called. Basically you put one end in a part of the house with reception, then it repeats the cellular signal. This never worked for me as I have crappy reception all over the house.
3. The BEST option is the 4G LTE cellspot. This option is essentially a mini cell tower in your house (about the size of a router). It uses a wired ethernet connection to your home wired internet as backhaul. This tower can be used by up to 10 people simultaneously (I think 10)... including other T-Mobile subscribers outside your household but within range. This ALSO works great w/ project fi. We got the 4G LTE cellspot for my wife due to the poor reception for her t-mo phone in our house... it benefits my Project FI as well (when I'm roaming on t-mo not sprint).
I would be happy to invest in solutions to improve my voice coverage here at home.
Would you share the model number of your 4G LTE Cellspot?
Or anything else that might help me.
Thx!
Jun 7, 2018, 9:23 am
#606
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
You can't just buy one as it is T-Mobile property and is essentially a T-Mobile tower. I'm in India right now, so I can't tell you the model number... not that it matters. In order to get one, you MUST be a T-Mobile client... then then call them up, tell them your coverage sucks and that you want a "4G LTE Cellspot" those EXACT words. They'll send you one free of charge for use as long as you are a client. If you cancel them, you must return the unit... plus they cut off the service.
Jun 14, 2018, 10:57 am
#607
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: London
Programs: BA bronze, Hertz pres circle, Marriott Platinum, hilton diamond
Posts: 2,537
deleted original!
one question, if I add a line can I see how much data each line is using?
one question, if I add a line can I see how much data each line is using?
Last edited by aceman; Jun 14, 2018 at 11:39 am Reason: referral code request, not needed now
Jun 14, 2018, 12:06 pm
#608
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 389
When I open the app on my phone I can review data used costs on each of my three.
If you want to sign up my referral number is 29E8W8 Project Fi's web site says you will save $20.
Last edited by bukzin; Jun 14, 2018 at 12:09 pm Reason: typo
Jun 15, 2018, 2:05 pm
#609
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
You can't just buy one as it is T-Mobile property and is essentially a T-Mobile tower. I'm in India right now, so I can't tell you the model number... not that it matters. In order to get one, you MUST be a T-Mobile client... then then call them up, tell them your coverage sucks and that you want a "4G LTE Cellspot" those EXACT words. They'll send you one free of charge for use as long as you are a client. If you cancel them, you must return the unit... plus they cut off the service.
Jun 15, 2018, 2:10 pm
#610
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 389
Seems these were Level 1 reps. Does anyone know differently?
Jun 16, 2018, 10:12 am
#611
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
Perhaps you could buy a used device that was already turned on?
Jun 23, 2018, 8:35 am
#613
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Guys, it will not work. These devices are tied to a T-Mo account full stop.
I'm lucky I have a T-Mo member in my household (wife), otherwise I'd be out of luck. If you have a friend who has T-Mo, you could try that route as well.
I'm lucky I have a T-Mo member in my household (wife), otherwise I'd be out of luck. If you have a friend who has T-Mo, you could try that route as well.
Jun 23, 2018, 1:00 pm
#614
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: I 35 south bound, finally stopped
Programs: LT Plt, 4mm, *A GLD, burned out medical provider, executing our estate plan
Posts: 1,665
I have a data only $35 for 6 gb account on T mobile on my ipad mini. I went to a store, told the manager my address. She looked it up and said yes you have poor coverage. Here is your LTE Cell spot no charge, just return it if you cancel. I have had it a year. My Fi sim works off it, my Fi data sim works off it, and very shortly my wifes Fi account will work off it.
Jun 23, 2018, 1:08 pm
#615
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: I 35 south bound, finally stopped
Programs: LT Plt, 4mm, *A GLD, burned out medical provider, executing our estate plan
Posts: 1,665
Just found this, concerning signal boosters. good luck.
https://support.google.com/fi/answer...-1529780683840
https://support.google.com/fi/answer...-1529780683840