Google Fi Tries to Win Back Users With Free Service Through End of Year

When people talk about mobile networks, the conversation is largely dominated by the big three networks: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. But MVNOs are a popular way to save money on a cell phone plan, and Google Fi is making a considerable attempt to woo customers back with the promise of free service.

As 9to5Google reports(Opens in a new window), Google is offering free service for the rest of 2022 to former Google Fi subscribers who return to the carrier’s service. That free service covers Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan (regularly $50/month for a line) or the Unlimited Plus plan ($65/month). It will also pay for monthly taxes and fees. 

Though Google is only offering this deal to prior Google Fi subscribers, it’s extending the offer to their friends and family by allowing them to sign up for a family plan with up to six people, and all users on the plan will get the discount for the year. Increasing the number of people on a plan also lowers the individual costs per line, down to $20/line/month for Simply Unlimited and $40 for Unlimited Plus after four or more people join a plan.

Three free months of service for six people may seem like quite the giveaway, but it’s worth noting that the big three carriers often offer switching promotions that equal hundreds of dollars per line (such as free iPhones or covering early termination fees). That said, Google Fi’s unlimited plan is one of the most affordable of its kind for four or more users at $20, which undercuts the unlimited plans of the big carriers and many smaller MVNOs, including Mint, Boost Mobile, and Visible.

With Google Fi ranking among PCMag’s Top Mobile Carriers for 2022, scoring within the top four positions on most metrics, this may be a worthwhile time for former customers to jump back onto Google’s network if they have a few friends to bring along and maximize the value.