Misplaced Pages

#311688

43-549: Google Fi Wireless (pronounced / f aɪ / ), formerly Project Fi and Google Fi , is an American MVNO telecommunications service by Google that provides telephone calls , SMS , and mobile broadband using cellular networks and Wi-Fi . Google Fi uses the T-Mobile network. Google Fi is a service for US residents only, as of late 2023. The service was launched for the Nexus 6 , by invitation only, on April 22, 2015. The service

86-515: A cellular network if Wi-Fi coverage is lost. Google Fi Wireless users could originally use the now defunct Google Hangouts on any phone, tablet, or computer to call and text. Google Fi Wireless also implements VoLTE as part of a staged rollout. In addition to using a phone's physical SIM card, Google Fi offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option whereby the customer uses their compatible phone (Google Pixel, Android or iPhone) using an eSIM (embedded SIM) virtual card to establish Google Fi as

129-555: A Group Plan, letting subscribers add extra members to their plans. In February 2023, Google Fi and US Cellular discontinued their partnership, leaving T-Mobile as the only network usable with it in the US. Prior to the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile , Google Fi Wireless automatically switched between its partner networks depending on signal strength and speed. It automatically connects to open Wi-Fi hotspots while securing data with encryption through an automatic VPN . Phone calls transition to

172-446: A choice between around 40 MVNOs. According to the FCC, approximately 7% of all U.S. mobile subscribers were served by resellers, including MVNOs, and analysts found that the 15.1 million wireless subscribers served by resellers by the end of 2006 had increased by 1.6 million over the previous year. MVNOs are distinguished by their commitment to owning and managing the operational components of

215-505: A little more than $ 20 a month for Fi, which is the least I've paid for a cell phone service, ever." JR Raphael of Computerworld also praised the pricing strategy and network transitions. He noted that "Fi's customer support is [...] actually a pretty good experience", elaborating that "if you need extra help, both interfaces offer the ability to get 24/7 support from a real person via phone or email." Mobile virtual network operator MVNO agreements with network operators date back to

258-419: A more extensive consumer electronics resource, similarly to CNET and Consumer Reports , aimed towards "the early adopter in all of us". In April 2014, Michael Gorman was named the editor-in-chief of Engadget, alongside Christopher Trout as executive editor. In April 2017, Trout was announced as the new editor-in-chief, with managing editor Dana Wollman promoted to executive editor. In September 2018, it

301-405: A recommendation from the national telecom regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India , to permit VNOs in the country, and announced the grant of a unified license for Virtual Network Operators on 31 May 2016. VNOs have formed an association to represent current regulatory issues impacting their MVNO business viability. In Nigeria, the licensing of telecommunications operators is overseen by

344-485: A restricted spectrum . In 1997 Vodafone Australia and TotalTel launched FastFone, the world's first true prepaid MVNO utilising the worlds first fully MNO integrated MVNE platform supplied by Isoton (formerly Steadycom). FastFone's MVNO model was very successful, attracting more than 300,000 subscribers in 18 months. Vodafone purchased the business in 1999. With European markets newly open to competition and new technology enabling better service and cheaper handsets, there

387-474: A standalone service or in conjunction with another provider. When a phone uses the DualSim, the phone owner can make and receive telephone calls from either Google Fi or the other mobile provider, but only one of the data service can be used at a time. In October 2021, Google Fi Wireless announced that it would allow end-to-end encrypted calls. Monthly plans start at $ 20 per month and are flat fee -based, paid at

430-532: A weekly deals newsletter. It has been operated by Yahoo! Inc. since September 2021. Engadget was founded by former Gizmodo technology weblog editor and co-founder Peter Rojas . Engadget was the largest blog in Weblogs, Inc. , a blog network with over 75 weblogs , including Autoblog and Joystiq , which formerly included Hackaday . Weblogs Inc. was purchased by AOL in 2005. Launched in March 2004, Engadget

473-458: Is a technology news, reviews and analysis website offering daily coverage of gadgets , consumer electronics , video games, gaming hardware, apps, social media, streaming, AI, space, robotics, electric vehicles and other potentially consumer-facing technology. The site's content includes short-form news posts, reported features, news analysis, product reviews, buying guides, two weekly video shows, The Engadget Podcast, The Morning After newsletter and

SECTION 10

#1733106265312

516-423: Is currently hosted by deputy editor Cherlynn Low and senior reporter Devindra Hardawar. New episodes drop on Fridays. In 2023, Engadget launched two weekly video series, The Morning After starring UK bureau chief Mat Smith (who also writes the newsletter of the same name) and an as-yet unnamed gaming-related series hosted by senior reporter Jessica Conditt. In 2018 Engadget won a Webby Award for "Best Writing" in

559-541: Is free. Data is free at full speeds between 6 GB and 15 GB for the duration of the billing cycle with Bill Protection. After 15 GB, data continues to be free but will be throttled to unspecified speeds. A data-only SIM card can be used on tablets and other compatible devices, including the 2013 Nexus 7 , Nexus 9 , and iPad Air 2 . The devices must be compatible with the T-Mobile network, and users can add up to 4 data-only SIM cards in one account (before July 2019

602-461: The Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Because of high demand at launch, the service required that users receive invitations, which were gradually released throughout summer 2015. The invitation system was dropped on March 7, 2016. U.S. Cellular was added on June 8, 2016. Three was added on July 12, 2016. In October 2016, Google added the ability to use Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, and later introduced

645-425: The iPhone and iPod Touch . It was relaunched in 2017, but has since been discontinued. Overnight, on July 15, 2013, Tim Stevens stepped down as the editor-in-chief, placing gdgt's Marc Perton as the interim executive editor. In November 2013, a major redesign was launched that merged gdgt 's features into Engadget, such as the database of devices and aggregated reviews. The changes aimed to turn Engadget into

688-526: The "Websites and Mobile Sites" category. The site also won honors three times from the Society for Features Journalism from 2019 to 2020, including two features by then staffer Chris Ip and one from contributor Megan Giller. In 2013 it was announced that Engadget would be the new judge of the official Best of CES Awards. Engadget's partnership with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA),

731-640: The "big five" banks in South Africa , FNB , created an MVNO named FNB Connect providing voice, SMS and data services. As of 31 December 2019, FNB Connect had around 670,000 subscribers. The service makes use of Cell C network infrastructure. The move came not necessarily to compete in the telecommunications market, but to offer a greater value to customers of the banking division. There have been several banks in South Africa making this move, like Standard Bank 's SB Mobile established in 2019. MVNOs target both

774-452: The 1990s, when the European and Australian telecom markets saw market liberalization, new regulatory frameworks, better 2G network technology, and a subsequent jump in wireless subscriber numbers. Though the new 2G networks more efficiently managed the limited frequency bands allocated to wireless service, new mobile entrants were still limited by their ability to access frequency bands in

817-691: The 2100 MHz 3G network of state telecom service TOT Public Company Limited (TOT) in 2009. As of January 2017, two of the original five MVNOs are still in service. As of December 2018, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) had issued 58 MVNO licenses in Thailand, a total of nine have launched, four remain active. In India , the Telecom Department under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, accepted

860-513: The MNO SONOFON had solidified the first viable MVNO agreement with Tele2 . This agreement provided Tele2 with access to SONOFON's network for both mobile and roaming services, the latter of which had been requested by (and denied to) Sense Communications. With the new regulations in place, MVNOs in Scandinavia eventually grew to a market share of above 10%. By 2008, US wireless subscribers had

903-492: The MNO. Sometimes referred to as a "Thick MVNO". The MVNO manages a more complete technical implementation with its own infrastructure which allows the MVNO more control over its offerings. These MVNOs have a heavier focus on branding, customer-ownership, and differentiation through added services like data and SIM applications. These MVNOs have a network implementation operating essentially

SECTION 20

#1733106265312

946-399: The MVNO business model, consisting of: Because MVNOs are effectively defined by their lack of spectrum licenses, an MVNO necessarily will need to have agreements in place to access the network of at least one MNO. The type of MVNO is determined by how "thick" or "thin" a technological layer an MVNO adds over its access to its host MNO's network. Sometimes referred to as a "Skinny MVNO", as

989-582: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). As part of its regulatory framework, the NCC reclassified telecommunications licences into class and individual licences. This regulatory structure ensures that all telecom service providers, including MVNOs, comply with national guidelines and operate within the appropriate legal framework for their respective services. Engadget Engadget ( / ɪ n ˈ ɡ æ dʒ ɪ t / in- GAJ -it )

1032-505: The beginning of each monthly billing cycle. All plans include unlimited calls and messaging. Money for unused data is credited back to the user's account, while overuse of data results in a charge of $ 10 per gigabyte. When outside the United States, cellular phone calls cost $ 0.20 per minute, data costs the same $ 10 per gigabyte (i.e., there are no extra data charges outside of the US), and texting

1075-466: The consumer and enterprise markets. The majority of MVNOs are consumer-focused and most have a focus on price as their selling point; on average, customers of major carriers spend about 3.4 times as much on their service as MVNO customers. At the end of year 2022, there were 1,986 active MVNOs globally, more than double the amount of traditional telecom network operators. Europe lead in terms of most active MVNOs in operation with 1,012, representing half of

1118-480: The controversy surrounding the social media verification. In early 2011, eight of the most prominent editorials and technology staff members left AOL to build a new gadget site with the CEO Jim Bankoff at SB Nation . On leaving, Joshua Topolsky, former editor-in-chief, is quoted having said, "We have been working on blogging, technology that was developed in 2003, we haven't made a hire since I started running

1161-572: The creation of the first MVNO in the Arab world in 2010. The Saudi government is making preparations to permit MVNO services in the country. In Brazil , MVNOs are regulated by Anatel , the Brazilian Agency of Telecommunications , in November 2010. As of September 2014 the combined market share of all Brazilian MVNOs was just 0.04%. In Thailand , five MVNOs were given a Type II license to operate on

1204-449: The group that organizes CES, continued through CES 2021. For CES 2022 and CES 2023, Engadget issued "Best of CES" awards independent of any partnership with the CTA. On June 21, 2014, actor William Shatner raised an issue with several Engadget editorial staff and their " verification " status on Twitter . This began when the site's social media editor, John Colucci tweeted a celebration of

1247-476: The limit was 9 data-only SIM cards in one account). A Group Plan, which allows users, referred to as "managers", to add other people, referred to as "members", to their subscription, costs an additional $ 15 per user. Group Plans let managers view data usage by member, set data notifications, add monthly allowances, and pause members' data usage. In June 2017, Group Plans were updated to feature "Group Repay", in which Google Fi Wireless automatically calculates each of

1290-751: The market share of MVNOs in 2022 is 13.4%. Vietnam currently has 5 MVNO providers as May 2024, mostly operating and relying on 2 main providers: VinaPhone and MobiFone. Thsese includes: Local,FPT Retail,Wintel,iTel,VNSKY. In 2003, the European Commission issued a recommendation to national telecom regulators to examine the competitiveness of the market for wholesale access and call origination on public mobile telephone networks. The study resulted in new regulations from regulators in several countries, including Ireland and France forcing operators to open up their networks to MVNOs. Jordan 's top watchdog issued its first MVNO regulations in 2008, facilitating

1333-522: The market share of MVNOs is 12.2% in 2019. The total number of contractors is 22.3 million. The three US national carriers have partial or full ownership of several large MVNO brands, such as Cricket Wireless (AT&T), TracFone Wireless (Verizon) and Metro by T-Mobile (T-Mobile). The UK had 77 active MVNOs as of December 2018. The MVNOs combined market share was 15.9% of the total UK mobile market, representing 15.3 million connections. Ireland has seven active MVNO brands as of February 2021, and

Google Fi Wireless - Misplaced Pages Continue

1376-433: The members' individual shares of the bill and allows for easy payments. Such payments can be a fixed amount, an individual's total usage, or only for data usage above the standard data allotment. Nicole Lee of Engadget praised the service's plans, writing that "In the course of six months, I've barely touched my monthly 2 GB data allotment and frequently receive money back each month from unused data. I found myself paying

1419-433: The present day. As of 2023 , the site publishes upwards of two dozen stories on an average weekday, with content including short-form news posts, longer-form reported features, product reviews and buying guides, news analysis, and "hot takes." Engadget also produces The Morning After newsletter, which runs Mondays through Fridays, a weekly deals newsletter that usually goes out on Thursdays, and The Engadget Podcast. The podcast

1462-407: The reseller almost totally relies on the MNO's facilities. They do not own any network elements, but may own and operate their own customer care, marketing, and sales operations. Sometimes referred to as a "Light MVNO". The service provider operates its own customer support, marketing, sales and distribution operations, and has the ability to set its tariffs independently from the retail prices set by

1505-645: The same technology as a mobile network operator. Full MVNOs only lack their own radio networks. As of June 2014, 943 MVNOs and 255 MNO sub-brands were active worldwide. This represents a total of almost 1,200 mobile service providers worldwide hosted by MNOs, up from 1,036 in 2012, According to GSMA Intelligence, between June 2010 and June 2015, the number of MVNOs worldwide increased by 70 percent, reaching 1,017 in June 2015. As of December 2018, there were 1,300 active MVNOs operating in 80 countries, representing more than 220 million mobile connections—approximately 2.46% of

1548-464: The site hitting over one million Twitter followers. Besides Colucci, Shatner also targeted several junior members of the staff for being "nobodies", unlike some of his actor colleagues who did not bear such distinction. Shatner claimed Colucci and the team were bullying him when giving a text interview to Mashable. Over a month later, Shatner continued to discuss the issue on his Tumblr page, to which Engadget replied by defending its team and discussing

1591-645: The total 8.9 billion mobile connections in the world. The eight countries with the largest number of active MVNOs in 2018 were: the US with 139 MVNOs (4.7% market share), Germany with 135 (19.5% market share), Japan 83 (10.6%), UK 77 (15.9%), Australia 66 (13.1%), Spain 63 (11.5%), France 53 (11.2%) and Denmark 49 (34.6%). In addition to traditional cellular voice and messaging services, in 2014, 120 MVNOs also were offering mobile broadband services. In Africa, Uganda has registered three MVNOs so far, some having their own network infrastructure within major cities, but acting as an MVNO out of these cities. In 2015, one of

1634-704: The total global MVNO market. It is followed by Americas with 379 MVNOs, Asia with 322, International with 131, Oceania with 84, Africa with 54 and Middle East with 5. Some MVNOs have a presence in multiple countries, either as subsidiaries, joint ventures, or through brand licensing agreements with local partners, including Lycamobile in 60 countries, Virgin Mobile in 14 countries, Lebara in 10 countries, CMLink in five countries, Tesco Mobile in four countries, Line Mobile in three countries, Aldi Talk in six countries, Kogan.com Mobile in two countries, and L-Mobi Mobile in two countries. Japan has about 80 MVNO brands, and

1677-664: Was a massive surge in demand for cellular phones. In the midst of this swell, Sense Communications fought for access to mobile network operator (MNO) spectrum in Scandinavia in 1997. Sense was able to establish an MVNO agreement with Sonera in Finland, but it failed to persuade MNOs in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Sense then appealed to EU regulators, citing provisions that required certain MNOs to allow new entrants interconnection. While Sense's claim

1720-534: Was announced that Dana Wollman would take over as editor-in-chief. On December 2, 2015, Engadget introduced a redesign, as well as a new editorial direction with a focus on broader topics influenced by technology; Gorman explained that "the core Engadget audience—people who are very much involved in the industry—pay attention to it closely, but the new editorial direction is really meant to make it approachable for folks outside of that realm." The site's broader focus beyond hardware and short-form blog posts continues to

1763-642: Was denied, in November 1999, the company signed a service provider agreement with Telia/Telenor Mobile for GSM network capacity access, allowing Sense to offer services to its own customers in Sweden and Norway. Despite Sense's initial failure, the regulator in Denmark saw the promise in the MVNO model as a cost-effective route for telecom companies to enter the market and in May 2000, legislation passed that required network operators with significant market power to open up access to their infrastructure. By August of that same year,

Google Fi Wireless - Misplaced Pages Continue

1806-439: Was one of the internet's earliest tech blogs. It built a reputation for posting about gadget announcements, as well as rumors and leaks about upcoming products. In its early days, the site frequently offered opinion within its stories. Early leadership also launched the weekly Engadget Podcast, which covered tech and gadget news stories that happened during the week. On December 30, 2009, Engadget released its first mobile app for

1849-492: Was opened to the public on March 7, 2016. It began to work with additional device models, including the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones , on October 4, 2016. On November 28, 2018, Google rebranded Project Fi as Google Fi and made it work with more device models, including partially with iPhones . In 2023, it was once again renamed Google Fi Wireless. Google Fi was announced exclusively for the Nexus 6 smartphone on April 22, 2015, on

#311688