Google Project Fi, the tech powerhouse’s mobile virtual network operator service, now offers support for data-only devices like an Apple iPad; customers can request from Google Project Fi a free data-only SIM card to enable the new functionality.
Project Fi senior product manager Laura Holmes made the announcement in a Dec. 15 post to the Project Fi Help Forum.
“With this update, you can access cellular connection from tablets and other connected devices while on the go,” Holmes wrote. “Once you’ve ordered and received a data-only SIM, just pop it into a compatible device, follow the instructions and voila: instant wireless connectivity. Just like with our phone plans, you’re charged a flat [$10 per gigabyte] for data and pay only for what you use. You can cancel at any time. … As the number and variety of connected devices continues to grow, so should the number of wireless options. We’ll continue to experiment with creative ways to make accessing wireless from your connected device as easy as connecting with your phone. Thanks for helping us build Project Fi.”
Sprint and T-Mobile US are the cellular partners for the service, with Google citing the availability of “more than a million free, open Wi-Fi hot spots we’ve verified as fast and reliable” to handle the non-cellular needs. Google added that the service will automatically encrypt data sessions conducted over one of the verified Wi-Fi connections.
The cellular network offering boasts the ability to work across either Sprint or T-Mobile US’ network, including LTE access, selecting whichever network has the strongest signal or highest available data speeds. Google highlighted the services ability to transfer users between cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, but noted a call in session can only be transferred from Wi-Fi to a cellular connection.
Back in September, Project Fi tripled its device selection following the launch of a pair of Google branded smartphones compatible with the wireless service offering’s unique technical requirements. The new devices include the LG supplied Nexus 5X and Huawei supplied Nexus 6P. The devices join the Motorola supplied Nexus 6, which was the initial handset compatible with the Project Fi service when it launched in April.
The Nexus 5X slides in as the offerings entry level device with a suggested retail price of $379 for a 16 GB model or $429 for a 32 GB model. The device includes a 5.2-inch screen, runs Google’s latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system, sports a 12.3-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera, is powered by a 1.8 GHz six-core Qualcomm processor and includes 2 GB of RAM.
The Nexus 6P begins at $499 for a 32 GB model, steps up to $549 for a 64 GB model and tops out at $649 for 128 GB of storage. The device includes a 6-inch screen, also runs Android 6.0, more pixels in the cameras, is powered by a 2 GHz eight-core Qualcomm process and includes 3 GB of RAM.
