Google Fi has begun rolling out eSIM support for current iPhone subscribers, which will let them use the dual-SIM technology that comes in certain models of Apple's smartphones.
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In April, Google started allowing new users to sign up for Google Fi's mobile virtual network service using the eSIM integrated into iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and 2020 iPhone SE models.
Support for eSIM came with Monday's release of Google Fi version 2.5, which allows users with dual-SIM iPhones to free up the physical SIM slot in their handsets.
According to 9to5Google, the functionality has not fully rolled out yet , but several Redditors have managed to get it working by uninstalling then reinstalling the Fi app and signing in, after which they're asked if they want to switch to eSIM.
Users are then sent to an online setup URL where they can select Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plans on their iPhone to scan a QR code. Setting up data and MMS involve additional steps.
In addition to freeing up the physical SIM, the feature also promises to speed up the process of subscribing to Google Fi for future customers.
Google Fi is designed to provide a hassle-free cellular service with perks like international data coverage at an affordable price. See the Google Fi website for more details.
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In Feb. while in India, I purchased a SIM card & 1 month of 1.5GB of daily 1.5GB data for 300 Rupees ($4 USD).I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.
If you're a frequent international traveler, Fi is amazing. There's absolutely no additional charge for "roaming". I've used it in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, it works great everywhere. You can also get a data-only SIM for your iPad - unlike other carriers, you don't pay "more" to add an iPad, it's just charged as part of your regular data use.Free international data roaming with both these Google Fi packages?
Am I missing something? Because in that case, it's not a bad deal.
Any catches to this that might be worth highlighting?
With the other US carriers, you either pay a premium for international roaming, or you can get a local SIM in your destination country, but you can't iMessage using your US-based phone number if you're using a local SIM.
That's the issue though, you need 5 lines....whereas in Europe you can get that plan on a single line.5 lines/$175 for essentially unlimited data (100gb full speed Data with 30gb tethering plus free hbo ). That’s $35/line. Att best plan currently. Remember most post paid customers in USA have access to family plans with employee discounts (last survey says 88% of att customers) have employee discount and or family plans
so would Europeans Consider $35/line for 100gb full speed Data plus tethering expensive? To cover a country as large as USA and Alaska and Hawaii and Puerto Rico?
the people who complain plans are expensive are those on single lines and two lines
but 4-5 lines in USA is pretty affordable.
It's like saying "when I bundle cable + home phone + internet + security system I can get my internet for $xx". At the end of the day, I may not need cable + home phone + security system, I only need internet. I don't need 5 lines.
I think it’s partially because of the cost to build and maintain the infrastructure. The US has a much lower population density compared to many (if not most) European countries, making it more expensive per costumer served. According to Wolfram Alpha, the US has ~5x the population of the UK but ~40x the area. I’m not saying that’s the only reason or that people in the US aren’t being ripped off, but that probably helps explaining this discrepancy a bit.I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.
I agree, moving to the US I found almost everything to be considerably cheaper than in Europe. Except anything related to ISPs and cell providers. Fortunately there’s some good MVNO’s offering fair prices but the prices from the big three are astronomical in my opinion. And to say it’s related to population density might factor somewhat but there’s plenty of sparsely populated countries with affordable service. I think they price gouge because they can. Verizon and AT&T don’t even seem to try and compete on price.I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.