While Google Fi is primarily available within United States, it is also meant for international use and can be used in Canada. Hence, you might be interested in a comparison of Google Fi with major Canadian service providers.
This comparison is also required in view of wireless comparison study, which highlights the high prices being paid by people for mobile services in Canada.
The helplessness and the frustration of Canadian consumers can be gauged from comments section of this CBC article related to Google Fi.
Google Fi vs Regular Service Providers
Google Fi service starts at $20 per month which gets you Unlimited Talk and Text. Data needs to be purchased in advance at $10 per GB.
A major difference between Google Fi and traditional carriers is its simplified billing structure (same cost for data in 170 countries) and Bill Protection Plan.
Bill Protection Plan basically makes Google Fi service unlimited, as it allows an individual plan holder to continue using Google Fi service up to 15 GB excess data usage and yet pay not more than $60 for data.
After 15 GB point, you can continue to use the service at slower speeds or opt out of slower speeds by paying $10/GB for any excess data used above 15GB in a billing cycle.
Bill Protection Plan applies to international data usage and Google Fi charges the same rates for both National and International Data in 170 countries.
Google Fi vs Canadian Service Providers Comparison
Canada has 3 major carriers (Telus, Bell and Rogers), which offer similar wireless plans with more or less similar terms, conditions and fine prints.
Since current plans can vary, it is recommended that you visit the websites of Telus, Bell and Rogers to get the latest rates offered by these service providers.
1. Google Fi vs Telus Simple Share 10
| Features | Telus | Google Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cost | $75/month | $20/month |
| Local Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nationwide Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nationwide Text Messaging | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Text Messaging | No | Unlimited |
| Max Speed Data (10 GB) | Included | $10 |
| Unused Data | No Refund | Refunded |
| International Data | None | 170 Countries |
| Pause Plan | No | 3 months |
| Group Plan | Available | Saves $5 per person |
| Cancellation | Terms Apply | Any Time |
| Total Monthly Bill | $75/month | $30/month |
| Currency | CAD | USD |
Telus charges one-time connection service Fee ($35).
2. Google Fi vs Bell Unlimited 10
| Features | Bell | Google Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cost | $75/month | $20/month |
| Local Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nationwide Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nationwide Text Messaging | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Text Messaging | No | Unlimited |
| Data (10 GB) | Included | $10 |
| Unused Data | No Refund | Refunded |
| International Data | None | 120 Countries |
| Pause Plan | No | 3 months |
| Group Plan | Available | Saves $5 per person |
| Cancellation | Terms Apply | Any Time |
| Total Monthly Cost | $75 | $30 |
| Currency | CAD | USD |
Bell charges one-time connection service fee ($40) on your first bill and allows unlimited data usage at reduced speeds (512 kbps).
According to Bell, reduced speed data is suitable for light web browsing, email and messaging.
3. Google Fi vs Rogers Infinite +10
| Features | Rogers | Google Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cost | $75/month | $20/month |
| Local Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nationwide Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nationwide Text Messaging | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Text Messaging | No | Unlimited |
| Data (10 GB) | Included | $10 |
| Unused Data | No Refund | Refunded |
| International Data | None | 120 Countries |
| Pause Plan | No | 3 months |
| Group Plan | Available | Saves $5 per person |
| Cancellation | Terms Apply | Any Time |
| Total Monthly Bill | $75/month | $30/month |
| Currency | CAD | USD |
Rogers charges one-time connection service fee ($35) and allows unlimited data usage at reduced speeds (512 kbps).
Conclusion
As you must have noticed, there is a striking similarity between mobile service plans offered by Telus, Bell and Rogers, which leaves Canadian consumers with very little in terms of choice and flexibility.
In comparison, Google Fi basically allows anyone with a mobile phone to get Unlimited Calling and Texting for $20/month, use data at much lower rates and flexible terms.