Project Fi: details of Google’s MVNO found in leaked app
Google’s upcoming mobile virtual network operating (MVNO) play may be known as “Project Fi” and offer pay per gigabyte plans, according a report today.
Android Police claims in a post to have discovered an app for the service named Tycho, an account management app for the service that is similar to ones used by existing telco companies. Where it gets interesting is what the app allows users to do: the ability to activate the service or request a new number are among several features listed.
Within the app is said to be a list of data plan options, which are being charged per gigabyte, and it would also appear that remaining data will have a roll-over feature as well, meaning that users will be able to utilize that unused data in the following month.
Calling and texting within the service is reported to be free, with a small charge applicable for international calls and texts.
Other features suggested by the app include support for multiple lines per account, shared data buckets, and the ability to easily switch phones without changing sim cards (presumably you’d need a Google sim in each phone.)
Confirming earlier rumors, the two carriers listed in the app are Sprint and T-Mobile, although it’s not clear whether the service will simply hook into either based on which may have the strongest service in a user’s local area or some other form of sharing.
It’s all about the money
Google entering the telco space as an MVNO is a welcome move, particularly if it disrupts the market like it has with its Google Fibre service, but ultimately it comes down to price: exactly how much money will the service cost.
If Google enters the market, which as one site has suggested, with something insanely cheap such as $2 per gigabyte, it could literally shake the foundations of the space. That said it’s unlikely that Google could buy access to that data wholesale for that price, but without doubt fans and potential customers should expect something out of left field from the Mountview based tech giant when it eventually launches the service.
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