Verizon finally brings back discount Mexico roaming packages...!!

[tr6tevens]

By-the-way, I haven't seen mention of it with all this talk of verizon and sprint, but is no one aware that t-mobile has free international phone use in 125 foreign countries which includes mexico, all you have to do is ask them to add that plan to your phone for free, you've got free calls back to the US, free data (internet/email) and calls.

I had been hoping I'd get that on my T-mobile phone, but it apparently doesn't extend to their prepaid plans, or at least not to the $30 unlimited data and text plan I'm on.

 

[DandyDon]

I don't want anything to do with Sprint or T-mobile and would not post on a Sprint or T-mobile thread. I wanted my Verizon to work like it has before, like most Verizon customers enjoy. Oh well....

 

[tridacna]

Listening to these horror stories is quite amusing when you have Fi

Free SIM cards? Hilarious. Kinda like free razors - you "only" have to buy really E X P E N S I V E blades.

I consult for PEs and VCs analyzing the many new services trying to overcome the international rip off issue. Few are ever funded because if ever threatened, carriers could eliminate them by dropping prices fractionally. Consumers would much prefer to keep their existing equipment and carriers rather than jump through hoops and play games. Dandy Don is a prime example.

 

[DandyDon]

I try to limit how much Google gets into my life or how much I depend on them, but it does sound trempting - and at that price, good for a second phone.

 

[mmmbelows]

Fi is the way it should be. No complications - no keeping multiple phones - the way it should be. There is no comparison.

Isn't Google's Fi wireless only, no cell phone network or am I missing something, what makes it better than just using a wireless app on your regular cell phone?

 

[dberry]

Isn't Google's Fi wireless only, no cell phone network or am I missing something, what makes it better than just using a wireless app on your regular cell phone?

When not on wifi Google Fi will connect to "partner" cell network (LTE/3G/2G). For now it only works with a Nexus 6 phone (Android). Their coverage map shows 2G/3G on Cozumel. The monthly rates look quite good, but it's less attractive to me due to the Android limitation and Google's insatiable desire to moneterize the content of our texts (and probably phone calls).

 

[tridacna]

When not on wifi Google Fi will connect to "partner" cell network (LTE/3G/2G). For now it only works with a Nexus 6 phone (Android). Their coverage map shows 2G/3G on Cozumel. The monthly rates look quite good, but it's less attractive to me due to the Android limitation and Google's insatiable desire to moneterize the content of our texts (and probably phone calls).

If you think that you can avoid anyone "monetizing" you, should not be on the internet nor have a cell phone. That's a lofty goal but laughably unavoidable. If you're a millennial, (which obviously I'm not), they could care even less. This is how the internet of things works and will work in the future. That ship has sailed already. If you're still worried, buy an aluminum hat and go live on an island somewhere.

If you only travel to Mexico once a year on a dive vacation, this is obviously of less importance than for those who travel extensively around the world. Having a phone that does not require a new SIM and has reasonable rates is fantastic. The carriers make enormous sums of money from IGNORANCE". Americans especially know absolutely nothing about international rates, GSM, CDMA or what roaming means. The number of monster bills generated by people who continue to use their phones when abroad is huge. "Look Mabel, my phone is working here!". Followed by a $800 phone bill when they return.

Some of you may remember "free weekends and nights", "carryover minutes" or even the term "I'm on a long distance call". My kids have no idea what any of those are. Bandwidth is ubiquitous and cheap. Talking on a phone is a dying relic too. Kids are more comfortable with Instagram, Whatsapp and Snapchat. They seldom call each other. Ask any parent of a 10-24 yr old. Remember all those Internet Cafes that use to line the streets in Mexico and Europe? Mostly history. Cellular long distance is the next barrier that will be toppled. Google is trying to do that. If it means that advertising yourself is the price to pay for that, so be it. If you think that tilting at windmills will help, go for it.

---------- Post added June 1st, 2015 at 04:14 AM ----------

Isn't Google's Fi wireless only, no cell phone network or am I missing something, what makes it better than just using a wireless app on your regular cell phone?

Prime example of what I mean. This stuff is meant to be confusing but shouldn't be. Confusion means bigger bills and happy carriers.

 

[DandyDon]

I know I did this early today, but it didn't post I guess? Stupid wifi....!!

Isn't Google's Fi wireless only, no cell phone network or am I missing something, what makes it better than just using a wireless app on your regular cell phone?

Prime example of what I mean. This stuff is meant to be confusing but shouldn't be. Confusion means bigger bills and happy carriers.

But you did not answer his question so the confusion remains... :silly:

 

[tridacna]

I know I did this early today, but it didn't post I guess? Stupid wifi....!!


But you did not answer his question so the confusion remains... :silly:

Ahem...Dberry did an admirable job of answering his question before I responded. Do I really need to answer again?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DandyDon]

Ahem...Dberry did an admirable job of answering his question before I responded. Do I really need to answer again?

Ok, you poked at his post, so wasn't sure. You could have said that earlier, but thanks.

When not on wifi Google Fi will connect to "partner" cell network (LTE/3G/2G). For now it only works with a Nexus 6 phone (Android). Their coverage map shows 2G/3G on Cozumel. The monthly rates look quite good, but it's less attractive to me due to the Android limitation and Google's insatiable desire to moneterize the content of our texts (and probably phone calls).

So it only works where wifi or partner data coverage is available. Cannot access cell networks? Ok, got it I guess.