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[Q] Traveling to England with my Bionic

I am visiting the United Kingdom in March. I will be in the UK for two weeks. I will bring my Droid Bionic with me, even though it's a CDMA device and will not work in Britain. As a Droid Bionic owner, how can I get some use out of my Droid Bionic while in the UK, and how can I get an android, touch-screen smartphone while in the UK, that has voice and reliable data?
I know about the Verizon Global traveler program. If I am looking at the correct list of phones Verizon provides though the global traveler program, they look like lousy phones. I would really like an android touch-screen smartphone with voice and data while I am in the UK.
So, given the above info, what should I do?
- Greymarch
I write about technology, including android smartphones at my website.
http://www.greymarch.com

Your best option for a global capable Motorola smartphone that can be used here in the US as CDMA and overseas with GSM is a Droid3.
If you don't travel frequently though, then it may not be worth it to you.
The Droid 2 Global or Droid Pro would also work and may be found cheaper than a D3. There are also GSM only models like Milestone 3 and others that would work but without any CDMA capability for US use.
There are no LTE/CDMA/GSM global models despite the fact that the Bionic hardware(MDM6600 radio chipset) is fully capable of handling it, it is disabled in the firmware at the request of VZW.
The GSM functions of their global models are also generally compromised in the firmware to some degree in order to accommodate their global device specifications. USSD dialing codes dont work properly and international SMS and other features may not work.
There is also an unlocked Chinese radio firmware that can be flashed to the D3 to allow both domestic and international use that works great. I am running it on my D3 and have it on a T Mobile SIM here in the US. It is EDGE only data on T Mobile due to their deployment of 3g/4g HSPDA+ on AWS bands here, which is not supported by the MDM6600 chipset.
So, you have many options, but all of them entail purchasing another phone.

My wife travels to Europe quite a bit and she had a Blackberry forever. Last month I bought her a white Droid 2 Global in perfect used condition on eBay for $179.00 and gave it to her. She likes a physical keyboard (it also sports a touchscreen keyboard) so it was a perfect fit for her. She played with it for a few hours and the next day activated it on Verizon and needless to say will no longer even look at her BB Tour.
She is in Eastern Europe right now and keeps emailing me (from her phone) telling me how thrilled she is with the phone. She bought a cheap voice and data SIM over there and it all works like a charm.
I think with all of her use she would end up paying Verizon more than $179 for their lousy global services for the same period. I highly suggest you buy a nice cheap android world phone, buy SIM's wherever you go and and keep Verizon out of the loop.

If you want to use your bionic over there, I recommend downloading an app called GrooveIP.
It will allow you to use your phone to make and receive calls via wifi.
Data and voice would be useless over there. If you give Verizon a call, they can place your voice and data on hold for you while your gone. You can still fully use your phone when connected to wifi with groove IP and your Google voice number for free.
Your other option was mentioned earlier which was to invest in a global phone. With an unlocked global phone, or European one you won't have any problems.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

dellenrules said:
If you want to use your bionic over there, I recommend downloading an app called GrooveIP.
It will allow you to use your phone to make and receive calls via wifi.
Data and voice would be useless over there. If you give Verizon a call, they can place your voice and data on hold for you while your gone. You can still fully use your phone when connected to wifi with groove IP and your Google voice number for free.
Your other option was mentioned earlier which was to invest in a global phone. With an unlocked global phone, or European one you won't have any problems.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recommend some global, Android, purely touch-screen smartphones for use in the UK?

I would go with the european I9023 Nexus S. It's only 350 off Newegg, comes unlocked and will work with any sim you put in there while in the UK.

dellenrules said:
I would go with the european I9023 Nexus S. It's only 350 off Newegg, comes unlocked and will work with any sim you put in there while in the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newegg is sold out of the Nexus S. Any other suggestions?

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GT-I9...KMNA/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1326423326&sr=8-8
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

htc incredible 2

davwman said:
htc incredible 2
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Click to collapse
Would this phone need to be unlocked, before I could put a UK sim card in it? If so, how do I go about unlocking it? What's the cheapest way of buying this phone?

[Q] Nexus 6 on Verizon

I got my Nexus 6 from Google Play yesterday YA! i put my SIM in it and bingo 4G and service on Verizon! the one problem is I have no Data when on a phone call, I feel like I just went back a few years in time I'm reading i have to have advanced dialing 1.0 turned on, I was able to find this setting on my Verizon account and turned it on but 24 hours latter still no data when on a call
Thoughts?
Next question. Since I bought this phone outright from Google (ouch on my checking account) I have the freedom to move to any company. Sprint is out of the question since there service in Denver area is real bad. Dose AT&T or T-Mobile support Data and calling at the same time if Verizon dose not work for this?

Advanced calling 1.0 is not yet supported for the nexus 6 even if you turn it on in your account. Have to wait for vzw to enable it for this phone.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Amore514 said:
I got my Nexus 6 from Google Play yesterday YA! i put my SIM in it and bingo 4G and service on Verizon! the one problem is I have no Data when on a phone call, I feel like I just went back a few years in time I'm reading i have to have advanced dialing 1.0 turned on, I was able to find this setting on my Verizon account and turned it on but 24 hours latter still no data when on a call
Thoughts?
Next question. Since I bought this phone outright from Google (ouch on my checking account) I have the freedom to move to any company. Sprint is out of the question since there service in Denver area is real bad. Dose AT&T or T-Mobile support Data and calling at the same time if Verizon dose not work for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once VoLTE is enabled you can talk and use data at the same time. on Verizon.

Amore514 said:
I got my Nexus 6 from Google Play yesterday YA! i put my SIM in it and bingo 4G and service on Verizon! the one problem is I have no Data when on a phone call, I feel like I just went back a few years in time I'm reading i have to have advanced dialing 1.0 turned on, I was able to find this setting on my Verizon account and turned it on but 24 hours latter still no data when on a call
Thoughts?
Next question. Since I bought this phone outright from Google (ouch on my checking account) I have the freedom to move to any company. Sprint is out of the question since there service in Denver area is real bad. Dose AT&T or T-Mobile support Data and calling at the same time if Verizon dose not work for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 6 does not support Advanced Calling 1.0 on Verizon (yet). On AT&T and T-Mobile, I have confirmed that it works fine on both. Bummer, huh? But many of the new Android phones do not support this on Verizon (again...yet). Patience is not my greatest virtue, so I'm back to using my iPhone 6 on Verizon and my Nexus 6 on T-Mobile for that reason
Cheers,
-Collin-

CollinFX45 said:
The Nexus 6 does not support Advanced Calling 1.0 on Verizon (yet). On AT&T and T-Mobile, I have confirmed that it works fine on both. Bummer, huh? But many of the new Android phones do not support this on Verizon (again...yet). Patience is not my greatest virtue, so I'm back to using my iPhone 6 on Verizon and my Nexus 6 on T-Mobile for that reason
Cheers,
-Collin-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i will switch to T-Mobile and see how the service is.

Amore514 said:
Maybe i will switch to T-Mobile and see how the service is.
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Click to collapse
It's fine near downtown, but gets crappy the further you go out. Head to the mountains and it's terrible.

Schaweet said:
It's fine near downtown, but gets crappy the further you go out. Head to the mountains and it's terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should i try AT&T first?

For Colorado I'd stick with VZW and ATT as they are the two reliable outside the Metro areas. Yeah, I'd try ATT before TMO.
Sent from my Dev Edition Moto X

Does anyone know if a specific app or firmware will be needed to be pushed to the phones to get their advanced calling feature, data and voice at the same time? Or, do they flip a switch and it will work already on the unlocked nexus 6? I am concerned that if I buy a job Verizon nexus 6 that it will one day not have a chance of going to me.

funkpod said:
Does anyone know if a specific app or firmware will be needed to be pushed to the phones to get their advanced calling feature, data and voice at the same time? Or, do they flip a switch and it will work already on the unlocked nexus 6? I am concerned that if I buy a job Verizon nexus 6 that it will one day not have a chance of going to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A software update will be required in order for VoLTE calling to work. No saying if/when that will happen.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 2

I switched to T-Mobile from ATT and I couldn't be happier. Before that I had Verizon and so far I have no regrets my service is 7x faster then ATT LTE where I live. I tested my wife's S5 on LTE (ATT) it had 5mbs down and 1mbs up. My Nexus 6 on T-Mobile had 40down and 20up. Plus I can still use data while calling and its unlimited. These speeds aren't perfect, but I live in the middle of nowhere.

This should all be resolved once Vzw gets the N6 in stock on the 26th.

NFC, Android Pay, LTE

So i've searched the forum and got an impression this might work.
I have owned AW for 2 years on my Sony SmartWatch 3, it has NFC but AW never activated AP on AW til AW2. I just today ordered a used Urbane2 which is due to get AW2, and based on the AP on AW explanation implies that AP will work on the Urbane when it gets AW2 - right?
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...ndroid-wear-is-here-and-this-is-how-it-works/
So literally once we get AW2 on Urbane we'll get AP?

nigelhealy said:
So i've searched the forum and got an impression this might work.
I have owned AW for 2 years on my Sony SmartWatch 3, it has NFC but AW never activated AP on AW til AW2. I just today ordered a used Urbane2 which is due to get AW2, and based on the AP on AW explanation implies that AP will work on the Urbane when it gets AW2 - right?
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...ndroid-wear-is-here-and-this-is-how-it-works/
So literally once we get AW2 on Urbane we'll get AP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is my understanding/hope as well.
When the Android Team announced the upcoming 2.0 release on reddit, the AW team member stated in the comments NFC enabled devices, including the Sport and Urbane 2nd Edition, would be able to use Android Pay.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidWear/comments/5su6z0/slug/ddi4a7j
Also, here is a teardown photo showing the NFC chip in the 2nd Edition.
http://goo.gl/7Zjnp1

I just bought one yesterday, its pretty cool, but W2 is when it will become super useful. Why doesn't Urbane 2 have its own thread? Anyone know

Drops77 said:
..... Why doesn't Urbane 2 have its own thread? Anyone know
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Not sure really. Maybe not as many users? A result of the recall in November 2015 of the original release? Who knows. I've had mine since the original release, two days before the recall, and still wear it daily. For my purposes, it's still the best option available for AW.

I didn't know there was a recall! I just picked mine up. Looking into it.

Drops77 said:
I didn't know there was a recall! I just picked mine up. Looking into it.
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Click to collapse
The original release in November 2015 was recalled. It was re-released in March/April of 2016.
It sold briefly for $299 new in November 2015 before the recall then it was released again 2016 for $360 new. That's the AT&T version pricing.

Is there a way to know if you have the recall version or the new hardware version?
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
Bought mine used, trying to find a hardware number for pre-recall post.

Drops77 said:
Is there a way to know if you have the recall version or the new hardware version?
---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
Bought mine used, trying to find a hardware number for pre-recall post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the original box? There is a SKU number on it. 6387 is the newer release. My original release has 6106 on it.

No I bought it used. Is there another way or a serial number range?

Drops77 said:
No I bought it used. Is there another way or a serial number range?
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Hmmm I'd have to research about the serial number. They didn't sell very many originally since it was only on sale for a few days so my guess is it's the new version. I haven't had any issues with the original version.

given its 18 months later, the LG Watch Sport looks disappointing specs upgrade, seems a downgrade in battery size (why?) and yet still a big warch and only really chipset improved, given current prices the Urbane2 is about half the price for similar specs. You then have puzzle of the Huawei Watch 2 even higher price for lower specs.
Interest moment coming when AW2 out and then see if AP works. I have rooted phone, AP works (magisk) on phone but the word is not on AW.

nigelhealy said:
given its 18 months later, the LG Watch Sport looks disappointing specs upgrade, seems a downgrade in battery size (why?) and yet still a big phone and only really chipset improved, given current prices the Urbane2 is about half the price for similar specs. You then have puzzle of the Huawei Watch 2 even higher price for lower specs.
Interest moment coming when AW2 out and then see if AP works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had to replace my watch for any reason currently, I'd get the U2 again. Other than the rotating crown, the Sport doesn't offer much more for twice the price. Also, for my specific use, there isn't another watch that can provide the same functions. I like being able to forward calls to the watch and leave the phone behind during GPS recorded runs. I was also able to do this while visiting family in France because the U2 includes the 2100 band, the Sport does not. I know that's a rare need, but it was nice to have. My Truphone SIM is global so it worked with no problems.

mward1995 said:
If I had to replace my watch for any reason currently, I'd get the U2 again. Other than the rotating crown, the Sport doesn't offer much more for twice the price. Also, for my specific use, there isn't another watch that can provide the same functions. I like being able to forward calls to the watch and leave the phone behind during GPS recorded runs. I was also able to do this while visiting family in France because the U2 includes the 2100 band, the Sport does not. I know that's a rare need, but it was nice to have. My Truphone SIM is global so it worked with no problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know, hadn't thought the radio bands. Although puzzling.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/compatibility/PoGNC4D/lg-w200a-watch-urbane-2nd-edition-lte/france
says shouldn't get any kind of signal?

nigelhealy said:
Good to know, hadn't thought the radio bands. Although puzzling.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/compatibility/PoGNC4D/lg-w200a-watch-urbane-2nd-edition-lte/france
says shouldn't get any kind of signal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah there are a lot of inaccuracies out there. The watch does support B1 2100 band. It definitely worked in France. Select 'specifications' at the top of this site. They don't mention B1, probably because it isn't an AT&T band, but they show support for 2100.
https://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/devices/lg-watch-urbane-2.jsp#fbid=isDV_yi8j3B

Regarding service, I'm in the united States. What sub carrier can I get a sim from and connect my watch for the cheapest? Ideally I would like Google Fi, but I need a service to add the data Sim. Wish there was a thread for confirmed carriers we can use. I heard TMobile works, but only 3g.

Drops77 said:
Regarding service, I'm in the united States. What sub carrier can I get a sim from and connect my watch for the cheapest? Ideally I would like Google Fi, but I need a service to add the data Sim. Wish there was a thread for confirmed carriers we can use. I heard TMobile works, but only 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile does work with their phone SIM. Some have tried their wearable SIM with little success because they won't allow a non T mobile device on the wearable plan. I originally tried H2O and Ting but couldn't get data to work and there isn't a way to adjust the APN settings. I eventually found Truphone. They are a global SIM that uses AT&T network here in the US. It's 10 cents per minute/SMS/mb with free incoming calls/texts. It's perfect for my use, but if you end up using a lot of data it could add up quickly.

mward1995 said:
T-Mobile does work with their phone SIM. Some have tried their wearable SIM with little success because they won't allow a non T mobile device on the wearable plan. I originally tried H2O and Ting but couldn't get data to work and there isn't a way to adjust the APN settings. I eventually found Truphone. They are a global SIM that uses AT&T network here in the US. It's 10 cents per minute/SMS/mb with free incoming calls/texts. It's perfect for my use, but if you end up using a lot of data it could add up quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you get full LTE? Can I buy it at a store like Walmart or Target near check out?

mward1995 said:
T-Mobile does work with their phone SIM. Some have tried their wearable SIM with little success because they won't allow a non T mobile device on the wearable plan. I originally tried H2O and Ting but couldn't get data to work and there isn't a way to adjust the APN settings. I eventually found Truphone. They are a global SIM that uses AT&T network here in the US. It's 10 cents per minute/SMS/mb with free incoming calls/texts. It's perfect for my use, but if you end up using a lot of data it could add up quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. I have ATT and T-mobile SIMs in my OnePlus3T, I was going to try both in the Urbane2 and find out the actual coverage, and then decide what to do next. I was with Straighttalk before ATT, and around here ATT tends to be better coverage than T-mobile. So if Truphone is a ATT based, usage-based for the odd time not with your mobile that might be (agreed) perfect complement. The 9c/MB is the worrying part because its free for incoming and in the context of AW its going to be incoming mostly. Notifications over LTE would add up to a few MB? What is your AW Truphone MB/month type usage off you Truphone bill?

Drops77 said:
Do you get full LTE? Can I buy it at a store like Walmart or Target near check out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does receive LTE and actually it's 9 cents per minute/sms/mb with free incoming calls/texts. They are not sold in the store as far as I know. I ordered the SIM online. It was $30 and included $15 of credit. I only activate LTE when I'm running a few times a week. I average about 1MB of data per run so it's costing me $1-$2 dollars a month. FYI, when AW 2.0 arrives it could allow for more data usage if you stream music or download apps away from the phone. I play music from the watch through bluetooth headphones so I don't plan on streaming or downloading apps on LTE.
https://www.truphone.com/us/consumer/sim/

mward1995 said:
It does receive LTE and actually it's 9 cents per minute/sms/mb with free incoming calls/texts. They are not sold in the store as far as I know. I ordered the SIM online. It was $30 and included $15 of credit. I only activate LTE when I'm running a few times a week. I average about 1MB of data per run so it's costing me $1-$2 dollars a month. FYI, when AW 2.0 arrives it could allow for more data usage if you stream music or download apps away from the phone. I play music from the watch through bluetooth headphones so I don't plan on streaming or downloading apps on LTE.
https://www.truphone.com/us/consumer/sim/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking around U.S mobile seems like an even cheaper alternative. If only using data, but doubt I'll get LTE

Bought T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL. If I get Verizon will Wi-Fi calling work?

Pretty much like the title states.
I have a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL that currently has both AT&T and T-Mobile service on it. Rather than paying for two carriers, I'd like to just get Verizon as it seems to work everywhere here. T-Mobile is spotty as hell but the data is WAY faster than my AT&T.
I tested a friends Verizon SIM and did some speed tests but I forgot to test Wi-Fi calling which I will need inside my work building. That works on T-Mobile just fine but I can't get it working on AT&T. I see you can bug AT&T but no since if I just go Verizon anyway.
Thanks!

kdoggy said:
Pretty much like the title states.
I have a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL that currently has both AT&T and T-Mobile service on it. Rather than paying for two carriers, I'd like to just get Verizon as it seems to work everywhere here. T-Mobile is spotty as hell but the data is WAY faster than my AT&T.
I tested a friends Verizon SIM and did some speed tests but I forgot to test Wi-Fi calling which I will need inside my work building. That works on T-Mobile just fine but I can't get it working on AT&T. I see you can bug AT&T but no since if I just go Verizon anyway.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TMO pixel 4 runs the same firmware as an unlocked phone bought straight from Google. If Verizon offers wifi calling on their plans you should have no issues.

the.emilio said:
The TMO pixel 4 runs the same firmware as an unlocked phone bought straight from Google. If Verizon offers wifi calling on their plans you should have no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WELL you would think but have you seen the AT&T thread about Wi-Fi calling on the unlocked Pixel 4 XL? GOOD LORD!
SO it seems AT&T blocks Wi-Fi calling on devices not *sold* by them so people are spending hours on the phone arguing with them and spoofing IMEI's to get it working. Some people are getting it done, others are sitting a wall and AT&T won't help.
Just wondering if Verizon pulls the same crap.
The AT&T thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/help/att-wifi-calling-unlocked-4-xl-t3991909

kdoggy said:
WELL you would think but have you seen the AT&T thread about Wi-Fi calling on the unlocked Pixel 4 XL? GOOD LORD!
SO it seems AT&T blocks Wi-Fi calling on devices not *sold* by them so people are spending hours on the phone arguing with them and spoofing IMEI's to get it working. Some people are getting it done, others are sitting a wall and AT&T won't help.
Just wondering if Verizon pulls the same crap.
The AT&T thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/help/att-wifi-calling-unlocked-4-xl-t3991909
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow. Sucks to be with ATT lol. Hopefully Verizon isn't a PITA for ya.

kdoggy said:
WELL you would think but have you seen the AT&T thread about Wi-Fi calling on the unlocked Pixel 4 XL? GOOD LORD!
SO it seems AT&T blocks Wi-Fi calling on devices not *sold* by them so people are spending hours on the phone arguing with them and spoofing IMEI's to get it working. Some people are getting it done, others are sitting a wall and AT&T won't help.
Just wondering if Verizon pulls the same crap.
The AT&T thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/help/att-wifi-calling-unlocked-4-xl-t3991909
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have never had an issue with WiFi calling on any of my pixels - OG bought from Google and my 4XL from Amazon both have wifi calling (on unlimited plan).
T

I have Pixel 4 XL on T-Mobile and wifi calling works just fine. Can't tell you the spped since I never treated that but I use it inside the hospital where I work at since my cellular signal isn't the strongest

Belfire29 said:
I have Pixel 4 XL on T-Mobile and wifi calling works just fine. Can't tell you the spped since I never treated that but I use it inside the hospital where I work at since my cellular signal isn't the strongest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is T-Mobile variant on android 10 root able?

jerryspring said:
Is T-Mobile variant on android 10 root able?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know as long as your phone isn't owed money... Meaning your not doing payments and you own the phone outright than yes. There is a setting under developer options called OEM Unlocking to unlock the phone from T-Mobile. Once unlocked from T-Mobile it will always unlock the bootloader.
At least that is what I read. I'm not sure how to do any of that anyway with rooting and such. I'm still trying to figure out how to screen recording on this phone.

Curious... Did an unlocked t mobile pixel 4 XL end up working fine on verizon? Like regular calls and data?

Question Google fI

Anyone use Google fI? If so what do or don't you like about it?

Service is basically t-mobile, but I am still having wifi calling issues. I don't have service where I am and it seems the age old issue of the phone doing everything it can to use the mobile network is still in effect. Basically if I'm at home and I am on wifi calling and I get even the slightest glimpse of service the phone will swtich to t-mobile towers and then immediately drop the call when the tower signal goes away.
For this reason, I use it as a backup second sim only. Ironically it happens to have great service where my AT&T drops off(except for my house, of course)

I've used it for many years and like it. It works amazingly well in other countries too.
My only complaint is that until a month ago, I didn't have any towers near me and therefore had zero service. People visiting me on other providers had service.
At the beginning, wifi calling worked well for me, but I agree with jmele11968, the last couple of years that feature seemed to never really work.

cjkimmel said:
I've used it for many years and like it. It works amazingly well in other countries too.
My only complaint is that until a month ago, I didn't have any towers near me and therefore had zero service. People visiting me on other providers had service.
At the beginning, wifi calling worked well for me, but I agree with jmele11968, the last couple of years that feature seemed to never really work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried toggling the network setting to prefer wifi calling? On my pixel 5a, it is Settings -> Network & internet -> Mobile network -> (Advanced) -> Wi-Fi calling and it defaulted to "Call over mobile network" but has an option "Call over Wi-Fi" that inverts the priority. Does this get hidden with Google Fi? I'm using Mint, an MVNO on T-Mobile.

I've been on fi for about 2.5 years but when I first joined I had to contact them about wifi calling and there was something they could toggle in their system to make wifi calling preferred, I can't remember the exact details but my wifi calling has worked great ever since.

I have had it about 3 weeks and have no problems. I'll let you know if I do.

I've been using Fi for about 3 years now. Almost all using a Moto G7. I chose Google Fi because it fit our family budget extremely well. I did not have support issues that others often complain about. Yes I've had issues, but support handled all of them, and I just needed to be able to explain the issue clearly and be patient.
I was ok accepting occasional connection issues knowing I was using a budget phone on a budget service provider.
Recently purchased the Pixel 5a using the subscription plan, again to stay on budget. Mostly because I am traveling more and wanted to be able to use 5G networks available at cities I'm visiting. It has only been about 2 weeks, but I am happy that I got the Pixel 5a with 5G. I have not yet experienced a connection issue. In fact what I find is that it is very clear when the other person has the issue and not me.
Only complaint I have is the camera/video over heating issue. Which is why I'm searching xda now.

I used to have google fi but switched to tmobile because their store reps basically admitted to me that any of the sub providers that use their network get backburner priority so worse speeds even though signal strength is the same. I am on their budget non-magenta plan for 2 lines just under 100 a month unlimited

I switched to it from Verizon for one month, hated it and went back to Verizon. I travel as a truck driver and too many dead spots. T-mobile and Google Fi is a terrible choice for a truck driver.

I got 3 months free trial when I bought the 5a. Service is fine for most for most of the time. It states that there is a 22GB limit on data which is only downside to staying after trial. Was wondering if that is enforced strictly?

dkryder said:
I got 3 months free trial when I bought the 5a. Service is fine for most for most of the time. It states that there is a 22GB limit on data which is only downside to staying after trial. Was wondering if that is enforced strictly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply unlimited is $60 a month with no additional data charges but data speeds slow after 22 GB. Same with the Unlimited Plus plan except it's $70 a month. I don't know how the trial works but if your limited at 22 GB then I would think but not positive that the same would apply. No extra data charges, just your speed will slow way down.

dkryder said:
I got 3 months free trial when I bought the 5a. Service is fine for most for most of the time. It states that there is a 22GB limit on data which is only downside to staying after trial. Was wondering if that is enforced strictly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the free trial is the equivalent of the $70 plan. See the Fi website for details. After 22GB speeds slow to 256k. You can retain full speed for $10 GB (only pay for amount used. Use 100MB only pay $1).
Just use WiFi as much as possible.

Testing it out as well for three months. Service has been great in major areas I've been to thus far. Where I live now, which is closer to a rural area, it's currently running a low ball 5G. I'm going to be traveling over the next few weeks to various states, so I'll really get to see how things run coverage-wise.

jcmm11 said:
I think the free trial is the equivalent of the $70 plan. See the Fi website for details. After 22GB speeds slow to 256k. You can retain full speed for $10 GB (only pay for amount used. Use 100MB only pay $1).
Just use WiFi as much as possible.
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would be great if there was wifi, however i'm very rural but blessed with very good cellular from at&t, t-mobile, verizon. i'm doing the Fi trial which is good. i've been on straight talk at&t 4G which is good. i get at least 60GB of data from ST before they **** with speeds for 50 bucks a month. but at&t doesn't have 5G here yet. i can try straight talk t-mobile for 50 bucks and see if that does 5G, it should since Fi is t-mobile. so my Fi 5G clocks about avg 190Mb and the 4GLTE i get is avg 90Mb so it's quite a difference. but if straight talk t-mobile at 50 bucks for 60GB data at least then Fi doesn't really compare with 22GB for 70 bucks.

dkryder said:
would be great if there was wifi, however i'm very rural but blessed with very good cellular from at&t, t-mobile, verizon. i'm doing the Fi trial which is good. i've been on straight talk at&t 4G which is good. i get at least 60GB of data from ST before they **** with speeds for 50 bucks a month. but at&t doesn't have 5G here yet. i can try straight talk t-mobile for 50 bucks and see if that does 5G, it should since Fi is t-mobile. so my Fi 5G clocks about avg 190Mb and the 4GLTE i get is avg 90Mb so it's quite a difference. but if straight talk t-mobile at 50 bucks for 60GB data at least then Fi doesn't really compare with 22GB for 70 bucks.
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Does AT&T even have true 5G yet? They're still doing that 5Ge mess here.

GrandAdmiral said:
Does AT&T even have true 5G yet? They're still doing that 5Ge mess here.
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I don't know. All I get is 4G LTE. I'm gonna switch to T-Mobile on one of my 2 straight talk lines end of the month and see what that gets me for 50 bucks.

I know I'm a little late to this but I tried the 3 month trial when I got my 5a and it worked for about 4 hours then I could no longer get the eSim to work. I would always come up and say 'Google Fi not fully setup'. I spent hours with Fi support (really it's lack of support) trying to resolve it; I asked them to send me a physical sim...I wanted to use it mainly to try out it's built in international coverage (I went on a Caribbean vacation to Anguilla a couple of weeks ago) but alas...they refused to send me a physical card and I canceled the trial so they wouldn't charge me. Horrible experience with Fi and I would never endorse them and told them as much on my exit. I'm sure other people love it, but with the experience I had with support, I'd never endorse it.