CNBC:
Google Fi (formerly known as Project Fi) is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means that instead of just using one of the “big four” carriers, it automatically jumps between several cellular networks depending on which has better service. Fi hops between Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, and also favors Wi-Fi whenever possible, including for calls and texts.
And:
It costs $20 for unlimited calling and texting, and $10 per gigabyte of data. Users get money back for whatever data they don’t use, and data usage over 6 GB is free (though Google will throttle speeds after users hit 15 GB). It also has no roaming fees in more than 170 locations.
This something Apple could do? Is there some contractual agreement that prevents this? Interesting development.
Would love to see Apple do this, if it’s possible. Would prefer to keep my data and communications with them instead of Google.
For the iPhone, Fi is basically another carrier (just a virtual one, in that it runs on top of other carriers). There are some other features for Android devices, like carrier switching, whereas for the iPhone it basically uses T-Mobile’s network. You pop in a Fi SIM and go.
Sure, Apple could get into this business, but to date they haven’t chosen to do so. I can’t imagine there’s anything intrinsic in their contracts that prevents them.
Since I use an iphone I’m not interested…..yet….but if Google can offer the same performance in the future I would be tempted. I really like the pay for what you use. Big Red soaks you each month for data that you “might” use/need (which I do need months but not others due to travel). I like the coverage, but don’t like the plans. I’d switch to a Pixel 3, a great phone, but I am very “Apple Centric” and I like how it all works together (yes I know, for a “price”). I do use a lot of Google stuff too so the fit might not be too bad. Time will tell.
Why would Apple want to be a virtual telco in the first place?
If you’re here in the States and your iPhone’s unlocked, you can use an MNVO with it.
They’d still be reliant on them, though, since it’s a virtual network, not a real one.
Man, just imagine if Apple did this, but had a bundled connection that would include your iPhone, your iPad, your Watch, and your Mac laptop.
Frankly, I’m surprised they haven’t already done this, given their penchant for control and their happiness with the Services end of their business.
To further decrease their reliance upon the majors? I mean, that’s something they’ve historically favored, right?
My smarter half and I have been using MNVOs since before we first heard of the term. We jumped from Sprint in 2003 to an MNVO that uses their network, and then to another MNVO in 2014 that gets better coverage with AT&T bandwidth. Few complaints for either, and very low pricing for our level of mobile usage.
I’d be much more comfortable with the idea of Apple doing this sort of thing than with Google, for both UX and privacy concerns. Considering the ubiquity of consumer-level MNVOs, I’d imagine it’s not at all beyond Apple’s ability to manage well if they had a mind to do so.
Of course. But Apple’s focus has helped lessen the contractual stranglehold that carriers once had upon manufacturers and users. They’ve certainly improved the level of choices available. I’d applaud attempts to continue that.