Google Fi, formerly known as Project Fi, is a popular MVNO carrier partially thanks to its plan pricing. It’s costlier than other MVNOs, going up to $110 for the most expensive plan, but you can also pay as you go with a base $35 (for two lines) fee plus whatever you spend on data. Now, though, it’s getting even costlier, as Google is updating the cost of its middle-tier plan.
Google Fi‘s “Simply Unlimited” plan is getting a price hike for accounts with three or more lines, effective for new members starting today and existing members after April 4, 2024. The price remains unchanged for individual lines ($50) and plans with two lines ($80 total). However, the cost increases for larger groups. If you have three lines, you’ll now pay $90 per month. It’ll also be $100 per month for four lines, $125 per month for five lines, and $150 per month for six lines. It’s a pricing ladder that makes a little bit more sense than the previous one (for one, the cost was previously the same if you had two or three lines), but it’s still more money that’s coming out of your pocket.
Existing customers with active promotions or financed devices before March 5, 2024, will maintain their original pricing until those commitments end, according to Google’s own words. These accounts will be receiving plan credits to offset the price increase. However, credits are forfeited if a member leaves the plan. This price adjustment comes two years after Google Fi initially introduced “Simply Unlimited” and lowered its price the following year. The company cites the need to “continue delivering high-quality product offerings and features” as the reason for the change.
It’s important to note that the price increase only affects the “Simply Unlimited” plan. Google Fi’s other plans, “Fi Flexible” and “Unlimited Plus,” remain unchanged. Additionally, the benefits of the “Simply Unlimited” plan, including 35GB of data, calls, texts in North America, 5GB hotspot tethering, and smartwatch connectivity, are still the same. So basically, you’ll only be paying more if you happen to have more than three lines on that specific plan. If it’s too much, consider getting a better plan (to get more value out of your money) or lowering it—or perhaps switching to another plan.
Source: 9to5Google
