By announcing Project Fi, Google took its first steps to become a mobile virtual network operator. This is huge news for the future of connectivity and communication, since this project aims to make the transitions from mobile and Wi-Fi networks absolutely seamless. Google envisions that if you were to be on the street taking a phone call, when you get home, the call would be turned into a video conversation on a mobile device or TV.
To make this possible, Google has partnered with Sprint and T-Mobile, securing the rights to resell access to their networks. As such, Project Fi will only charge its users the amount of data that they actually consume, versus a set sum each month. For starters, $20 monthly provides access to talk, text, Wi-Fi and international coverage in more than 120 countries. The best part is that Google will also refund unused data, meaning that this is one mobile service that actually has the potential to save you money.
Seamless Wireless Services
Google's Project Fi Transitions Between Wi-Fi & Mobile Networks
Trend Themes
1. Seamless Wireless Services - Google's Project Fi aims to make the transitions from mobile and Wi-Fi networks absolutely seamless.
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operator - Google's partnership with Sprint and T-Mobile to resell access to their networks opens up opportunities for other companies to become mobile virtual network operators.
3. Flexible Data Plans - Project Fi's data billing system, where users are only charged for the amount of data they consume and receive refunds for unused data, could disrupt traditional fixed data plans in the mobile industry.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - The seamless wireless services trend from Google's Project Fi could introduce new business models and technologies in the telecommunications industry.
2. Mobile Network Providers - The rise of mobile virtual network operators, facilitated by partnerships like Google's with Sprint and T-Mobile, presents both challenges and opportunities for traditional mobile network providers.
3. Data Service Providers - The flexible data plans offered by Project Fi may disrupt the business models of traditional data service providers, prompting them to rethink their pricing strategies and offerings.