Google launches wireless phone service with Sprint and T-Mobile networks

Google launched its own wireless phone service Wednesday under the name Project Fi.

Its announcement confirmed earlier reports that the service will rely on the wireless networks of Sprint and T-Mobile in combination with Wi-Fi connections.

In an emailed statement, Sprint confirmed its role and added that it serves as the wireless network behind more than 100 other companies that resell its wireless services. These businesses are known as mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs.

“Sprint has empowered more than 100 successful MVNOs in the US by delivering a unique combination of a robust nationwide network, differentiated services and operational support and we are proud to enable Google’s entry into the wireless industry as a service provider,” Sprint’s statement said.

Google said its wireless service will monitor the available service where its customers are and connect them to the best available service.

“Project Fi aims to put you on the best network wherever you go. As you move around, the best network for you might be a Wi-Fi hotspot or a specific 4G LTE network,” said Google’s blog post announcing the service.

Google also said its service isn’t tied to the customer’s phone but can work on other devices.

“With Project Fi, your phone number lives in the cloud, so you can talk and text with your number on just about any phone, tablet or laptop,” the blog post said.

The announcement also confirmed that Google will charge customers only for the amount of data they use on the service, rather than requiring them to buy a set amount whether they use that much or not.

Here’s the word on billing. $20 buys unlimited voice, text and Wi-Fi connections plus international coverage.

Data will cost $10 per gigabyte of cellular data per month and Google will credit customers for data they buy but don’t use that month.

“Since it's hard to predict your data usage, you'll get credit for the full value of your unused data. Let's say you go with 3GB for $30 and only use 1.4GB one month. You'll get $16 back, so you only pay for what you use,” it said.

A Wall Street Journal report had said Google’s wireless phone service might start Wednesday. Google’s plans had been discussed widely though confirmation provided missing details.

Social media speculation, however, won’t be suppressed. One report, shown, below suggests a Google wireless phone offering might be enough to rekindle merger talks between Sprint and T-Mobile.

This story was originally published April 22, 2015 at 9:34 AM with the headline "Google launches wireless phone service with Sprint and T-Mobile networks."