Google Enters the Wireless Game With Project Fi

Those with Nexus 6 smartphones now have another carrier to choose from, but it's not some Silicon Valley startup—it's called Google. The company today announced the launch of Project Fi, its long-awaited entry into the wireless service biz. For now, it's available on an invite-only basis for Nexus 6 users, and the Verge notes that it has a unique pricing plan: Customers will pay only for the data they use. For $20 a month, they'll get talk, text, and international coverage, and then it's $10 per gigabyte of data. They'll be refunded for any data they've paid for but didn't use.

"Let's say you go with 3GB for $30 and only use 1.4GB one month," explains the company post. "You'll get $16 back, so you only pay for what you use." Another notable feature: The service will automatically switch users between Wi-Fi and cellular, depending on which is fastest where they are, reports Business Insider. Google isn't building its own network but is partnering with Sprint and T-Mobile. "Still, for wireless companies, Google's entrance to the market could be worrisome," observes CNET. "Google, with its financial resources and influence, has the power to shake up the entire industry."