Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Customers' Location Data

Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by vanattab on Friday January 11, 2019 @02:24PM (#18886077)

Ask HN: Is anyone here happy with Google Fi service? I ordered a Pixel 3 phone directly from Google Fi and signed up for service with Google Fi the end of December. When I ordered the phone it showed up as in stock and estimated I would get my phone by the 4th of January. On the 2nd I got an email saying that the phone shipping was delayed and I would receive an email when it ships. I have heard nothing from google so I called Google Fi support and was told I would get an email from the shipping team letting my know when my phone would ship but that was 2 days ago and have not heard a word from them. I tried following there instructions to cancel the order but when you click the edit order button where they say there is a cancel button none can be found. Anyone else have similar experience? Before I placed my order I was thinking the user experience from Google must be better then T-Mobile or Sprint but I am starting to regret the choice.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by zachberger on Friday January 11, 2019 @02:44PM (#18886234)

Note: I'm a Googler but I've used Fi since its inception and log before I was a Googler. These are my thoughts alone.

I have had times where it took 45 minutes to reach Fi support which was very frustrating. And looking on the Google Fi subreddit you're not the only one with the shipping issues. That being said, I've only had outstanding interactions with their support department. I had reoccurring problems with my Nexus 6P and they RMAd it several times, overnight.

I've found their coverage and WiFi calling to be better here in Mountain View than Verizon. It is hard to beat their experience when travelling internationally, you pay the same as you would domestically, and you have access to the high speed networks. The Fi app is beautiful, and doesn't try to sell you anything. I recently checked out the Verizon app and its 90% ads and 10% useful.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by juvoni on Friday January 11, 2019 @03:41PM (#18886755)

Google Fi, is one of the best services I've been on thus far and I've been with 4 other carriers in 10 years.

It's great for domestic and international travel and I don't have to worry (as much) about my number getting ported, so big security win.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by skraelingjar on Friday January 11, 2019 @03:31PM (#18886673)

I've used Fi since getting a Pixel 2 just over a year ago. I haven't had any issues with it and can't comment on the quality of their support. The coverage and service is as you'd expect from Sprint & T-mobile. I've used the built-in VPN feature with no noticeable drop in speed or connection, even when switching from cell to wifi.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by chihuahua on Friday January 11, 2019 @03:44PM (#18886780)

I've ordered 2 phones through Google Fi and both were shipped very quickly. Trade-in of old phone via mail also went perfectly. So far Fi's execution has been great. The phones were cheap (Nexus 5X 32GB for $250, Moto x4 64GB for $300) and the monthly cost is extremely low for someone who doesn't use a lot of data.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by sjs382 on Friday January 11, 2019 @02:49PM (#18886291)

I've been a customer since April 2016 (with a Nexus 5, moto x4 and a Pixel 3 XL) and I've been very happy with Project Fi.

Their service and support have been wonderful, including replacing a device twice (with overnight shipping) free of charge, outside of warranty.

I haven't had a desire to cancel my service, so I can't help you with the cancel button being missing. :)

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by arebop on Friday January 11, 2019 @02:57PM (#18886367)

My Pixel 3 was delayed several weeks with no ability to cancel or understand why or get status info. Then it was delivered. So, really crappy fulfillment experience but the phone is great and the data service coverage has been a little better than it was with my old provider.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by wvaughan on Friday January 11, 2019 @02:37PM (#18886164)

I've been on it for a month and have been really happy with the service. That said I brought my own devices and haven't had to deal with the support team at all.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by format997 on Friday January 11, 2019 @05:34PM (#18887848)

Sounds like your phone was so delayed because of a huge black friday promotion they ran that put their pixel stock a month or more behind back orders. My experience with them, outside of this one massive underestimate of how many phones they would sell because of the phenomenal deal that they ran, has been really good. Phones are normally in stock and ship almost immediately. And customer service is very responsive.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by format997 on Friday January 11, 2019 @05:35PM (#18887853)

As a side note, the phone that I snagged during that promotion just barely arrived a week ago. And I ordered it at the end of November. I think you just ran into some unlucky timing, at least in regards to the delays in shipments that you encountered.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by peu4000 on Friday January 11, 2019 @02:55PM (#18886341)

I have been using it for a little over 2 years (6p and refurb Pixel XL) and it's been fine. Though I haven't had to contact support...

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by atr_gz on Friday January 11, 2019 @09:50PM (#18889251)

I like it. Support had been fast and helpful, and it's hard to beat for international travel. I've used it in 5 countries with good speeds (although I've mostly been in cities). And as an added bonus it gets around the firewall in China. I've seen people try TMobile here and it's definitely slower than Fi, although it also gets around the firewall.

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Re:Google Demanded T-Mobile, Sprint Not Sell Google Fi Custo... by neolefty on Friday January 11, 2019 @07:02PM (#18888434)

Even my support calls have gone well. Used it for about 2 years now, me + 3 family members.

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