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Google Fi is bringing back multiple cell network support for better coverage

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Google Fi is deploying a dual 5G system that monitors signal strength to shift users across carrier lines before their coverage drops entirely. Available specifically on Pixel 9 and newer devices running on active eSIMs, the rebuilt framework improves on earlier switching speeds. While the carrier currently acknowledges using T-Mobile for domestic service, it has not officially disclosed the identity of the secondary partner network. Network switching originally vanished from domestic use after T-Mobile purchased Sprint in 2020.

Key points

  • Domestic network switching returns to Google Fi after being phased out domestically follo…: Domestic network switching returns to Google Fi after being phased out domestically following the 2020 T-Mobile and Sprint merger.
  • Google has declined to publicly identify the specific carriers powering the new dual-netw…: Google has declined to publicly identify the specific carriers powering the new dual-network 5G configuration.
  • The upgraded eSIM architecture is designed to execute carrier transitions before active m…: The upgraded eSIM architecture is designed to execute carrier transitions before active mobile service completely drops.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Google Fi is launching a new “super network” that can automatically switch users between two different 5G networks depending on which one has better connectivity. The feature is rolling out starting today on Pixel 9 and newer phones that have Google Fi active on eSIM and have any non-Fi SIMs disabled.

Google Fi is bringing back multiple cell network support for better coverage

Google Fi will swap users between two 5G networks, but only if your phone is a Pixel 9 or newer.

Google Fi will swap users between two 5G networks, but only if your phone is a Pixel 9 or newer.

When Google Fi first launched in 2015, users were originally able to switch between T-Mobile and Sprint’s networks. But those two networks eventually became one when T-Mobile acquired Sprint in 2020, and so the network switching stopped there. Jane Harnett, Google Fi Wireless senior product manager, told The Verge that Fi stopped offering the feature because “the wireless landscape consolidated via mergers and limited our ability to offer multiple networks within the US.” (Networking switching has continued…

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