"But... I LOVE HER!!" — A long-time Google fanatic's breaking point with Fi
I’ve always been a massive Google fanatic. I remember using Yahoo search back in the day, switching the moment I discovered Google, jumping on Gmail when it launched, and following every move since—from the YouTube acquisition to the fall of Google+, right up to the latest Gemini drops. Naturally, I rock a Google Pixel.
When Project Fi first launched, I was obsessed. The dynamic multi-carrier network switching between Sprint and T-Mobile (and later US Cellular) was brilliant tech that no other carrier or MVNO was pulling off.
Fast forward to recent years, and this love story hit a wall.
The Lost Pixel & Support Nightmare
A while back, I ordered a Pixel financed directly through Google Fi. Before the package arrived, I had an unexpected legal issue and was detained for a short period. By the time I was released and tried logging into my Gmail, I couldn't remember my password. Because my tracking number was locked inside that inaccessible email, I had no way to track the package, and the phone never showed up.
I reached out to Google Fi support hoping they could help verify my identity with the Social Security Number I used for financing, start a delivery claim, or at least cancel the order. Nothing. Zero help. Because that financing went unresolved on their end, my Google financing is completely burned for future purchases—even though I never received the hardware.
The "Unlimited" Reality Check
Eventually, I created a fresh Google account and activated Fi on an older Pixel. While running on T-Mobile’s network was generally solid, I opted for their top-tier unlimited plan.
Unfortunately, "unlimited" comes with a hard ceiling. Once I hit the data threshold, speeds were throttled to 256 kbps—practically unusable for basic tasks. Getting hit with that throttle during an already stressful, critical night made me rethink the whole service.
Back when Fi offered true multi-network carrier switching across GSM and CDMA, the quirks and limits felt easier to justify. Today, running strictly as a T-Mobile MVNO with severe post-cap throttling, it’s hard to stay loyal.
TL;DR:Long-time Google fan loved Fi’s original multi-carrier magic, but a nightmare customer service loop (lost financed phone + locked account) combined with aggressive "unlimited" data throttling made me walk away.
How are you all feeling about Fi nowadays compared to the original multi-network days? Do you feel the value is still there?