Astound Mobile vs. Google Fi: Which carrier is better?

Astound is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile's Reach platform and network. It is one of the largest cable providers in the U.S. It was previously known as Grande Communications, enTouch Systems, RCN, and Wave Broadband. Like other cable companies in the country, it requires its customers to be broadband-capable.

Through Google Fi on the other hand, you can connect your device to the strongest network in various locations. It can be 4G LTE or Wi-Fi. The company also offers 5G capabilities on compatible smartphones, including iPhone and Android. When choosing the best wireless connection, Google will automatically connect your device to the open Wi-Fi network that it recognizes as high-quality. Those who have the Google Fi VPN option will be able to enjoy secure and fast internet browsing on public hotspots.

Coverage & Reception – Astound Mobile vs. Google Fi

Google Fi is often considered as one of the best MVNOs out there, due to the fact that it includes coverage in over 200 destinations across the globe. However, Astound Mobile does provide reliable coverage with very fast speeds.

Astound Mobile

Astound’s 5G network can provide reliable service in all 50 US states and territories. But, the speed of data and coverage may vary depending on the location. Its interactive coverage map can help you identify areas with fast internet connectivity.

The Astound Mobile product is a mobile broadband service that offers unlimited talk and text. It comes with different plans starting at $15 a month. Its plans can be tracked, changed, and controlled through the app or online. Unlike other providers, there are no annual contracts with Astound.Although Astound utilizes T-Mobile's network when providing cellular service, it is not available in areas where there is inadequate internet connectivity.

Google Fi

Through T-Mobile's network, Google Fi Wireless is able to provide fast 4G and 5G LTE coverage. It doesn't have data deprioritization, so you won't have to experience slow speeds when you're using a lot of data. In addition, its users have access to other networks when they're traveling domestically and internationally.

Google's W+ network is available for those who have a Fi VPN enabled device. It works seamlessly across various hotspots, such as airports, stadiums, and malls, and it can improve your mobile experience when connecting to the internet in these areas.

When traveling internationally or domestically, you have access to different networks when you use a lot of data. Fi doesn't deprioritize data traffic during times of peak usage. Its plans come with coverage in Canada, Mexico, and the US. Its FLEX and Unlimited Plus models additionally come with 5G in select countries for certain Samsung and Pixel devices.

Plan Options

In terms of availability, service options, contract, data, and other features, Astound Mobile’s plans and Google Fi’s plans differ in a variety of ways.

Astound Mobile Plans

With unlimited talk and text, fast 5G service, flexibility, and consistently high speeds of internet, Astound Mobile has a plan to satisfy anyone’s needs.

• 1.5 GB- $15 a month
• 3 GB- $25 a month
• Unlimited- $40 a month
• Unlimited Plus- $50 a month

Astound Mobile doesn't offer a standalone service. Instead, it offers a variety of plans that allow you to add internet service to your existing plan. The company's "by the gig" advertisement refers to its 1.5 GB plan, where you'll pay $10 for each 1GB of extra capacity after reaching your allotment. Similarly, its 3 GB plan will cost you $10 after you've exceeded your monthly limit.

Although the company's two Unlimited plans are essentially the same, Astound may reduce your speed to 768Kbps if you consume more than 20GB of data in a month. Unlike other mobile providers, Astound doesn't bundle its Mobile service with Internet. Instead, it allows you to add Astound Mobile to its Internet plan. For $65.00 a year, you get the 300Mbps plan with a single Astound line.

Astound doesn't raise its prices following the promotion but still enforces data caps in certain regions, such as California, Oregon, and Washington. For $25 a month, you can get the company's Unlimited Data Plan. On the other hand, $15 a month gets you the Double Data Plan, which doubles your allowance.

With Astound Broadband, you can make calls using your home internet or cable connection instead of a traditional phone line. It doesn't have a monthly data cap, unlike Astound Mobile. However, you won't be able to use it while you're away.

The Basic Phone Plan of Astound includes 17 free features, such as Voicemail, Nomorobo, and caller ID. It also provides unlimited local and international calling. 

Google Fi Plans

Google Fi's plans are simple. The flexible option remains, offering unlimited talk and text for $20 a month. The flexible option costs $10 a GB for consuming data over a cellular network. Let's assume you'll use 3 GB monthly.That adds up to $30 to your monthly bill. That means you'll be paying $50 for the month.

Even though Google Fi's plans don't include fees or taxes, the company claims that it uses less cellular data than other carriers. This is because it uses Wi-Fi when available, though it's dependent on where you're using your device.

First glance, it might not seem like a good deal compared to other low-cost carriers. T-Mobile's Metro plan, for instance, comes with 10 GB of data for $40 a month, while Project Fi only offers 2 GB.

• With Google Fi's Bill Protection feature, you can keep your costs in check even if you use a lot of data. For instance, if a single line uses 6 GB of data, the company stops charging you for that amount of data, and it caps your total bill at $80.
• Google Fi's international travel plan comes with an additional line in its Unlimited Plus option, which costs $65 a month for a single line. The cost of a second line can be lowered to $55 a month, which brings the total to around $110.
• Although Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan offers a generous 50 GB of data, your speeds may be slowed down if you consume more than that amount in a month.

Features

Customers of Astound Mobile may be able to save some money and still rely on high quality coverage, while Google Fi customers have more features to choose from that can rack up expenses quickly.

Astound Mobile

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Unlike Optimum Complete, Astound Broadband doesn't offer an all-encompassing promotional deal. Instead, it only offers one type of service: Astound Internet. You have to either sign up for Astound Internet or get a new Astound Internet service to get the full package.

Although there's no savings to be had with both, Astound Internet comes with a two-year discount. It allows users to choose the amount of data they want each month and the number of lines they need.

Getting Astound Mobile and Internet together is easy. Just go to the Astound website and click on the "shop" button. You'll then be able to see the various plans that are available to you. In the next section, you can enable the Mobile option, which will allow you to choose the phone lines that you need.

Google Fi

Customers of Google Fi can use their mobile devices as a wireless hotspot for free, though they still have to pay for the data they use. The company's Unlimited plans only provide 5GB of data, while its Unlimited Plus option is completely unlimited.

The company's real advantage for travelers is its ability to draw from its regular pool of data in over 200 countries, without paying for roaming fees. This is very different from other international phone plans, such as T-Mobile's Go5G Plus, which allows users to use up to 5GB of data without paying extra.

The Go5G plan from Google Fi only offers high-speed data connectivity in 11 European nations, with slower connectivity across the rest of the world.

Customer Service

Both Astound Mobile and Google Fi offer services for customers to keep in contact with an agent for support. You can also check out both respective websites for common FAQs as well. 

Astound Mobile

You can reach the support team of Astound by calling the number provided below: 1-800-427-8686. This number will allow you to communicate with the company's support personnel whenever you encounter issues with its services. You can also reach the company's customer service number via its broadband telephone line: 1-800-746-4726.

If the contact number for Astound Broadband is not available, you can try visiting the company's website. You will be able to find various self-help guides that are designed for those who cannot reach the company's support personnel.

Different email addresses are also available for Astound Broadband's customers to receive personalized assistance. For instance, those who require help with their accommodations or general inquiries can contact the company's customer service department at [email protected] or [email protected], respectively.

People who require help with accessibility and legal issues may contact the company's [email protected] and [email protected] email addresses. These addresses allow Astound to respond to inquiries and provide individualized assistance based on your needs.

Google Fi

You can access Google Fi's Wireless Help Center by visiting the company's website and clicking on the "Community" or "Help Center." There, you can ask the company's help center staff about any issues that you may have. You can also try browsing through the FAQs or other frequently asked questions.

To contact the support team, go to the Contact Us section, select the issue that you're experiencing, and then choose the preferred mode of communication. The options for this include email, chat, and call.

You can reach the support team of Google Fi by calling 1-844-825-5234. This number is a 24-hour toll-free support line that is available seven days a week. This means that whenever you have an issue, you can get in touch with the company's support personnel. You can also use the company's other support line, which is 1-866-246-6453 or 1-650-253-0000.

The Verdict

Although Google Fi offers better international calling capabilities and more flexibility, it's not always the best option for everyone. For instance, if you're looking for a reliable and flexible network, you might want to choose Astound Mobile, which utilizes T-Mobile's network. However, Google Fi can also switch between its various networks to provide the best possible signal.

Switching networks can help improve coverage in certain areas. For instance, Google Fi can connect to networks such as US Cellular, Verizon, and T-Mobile for enhanced coverage. On the other hand, Astound Mobile only utilizes T-Mobile. Its international calling plans only have limited inclusions.

If you're already a customer of Astound, bundling their mobile service with Google Fi might be a good idea. Both companies provide customer support, though Google Fi's support staff is more accessible.

Google Fiber's high-speed internet plans are very affordable. The company offers two plans: 1,000 Mbps for $70 a month and 2,000 Mbps for $100 a month. The 1,000 Mbps plan is among the most competitive in the market, costing less than half of the national average.

The company's 2 gig plan is also significantly cheaper than other providers' similar offerings. Although there's no budget option for those that don't need fast internet, Google's value is hard to beat.

Many Astound broadband plans come with speeds of up to 300Mbps, and those with a 3-year contract lock can get it for $20 a month. For those who want faster speeds, the company offers a variety of plans starting as cheap as $20 a month, and then increasing to $55 a month thereafter. Even after the price increases, the deals are still very good.

Comparing Really

REALLY is unique in the fact that it comes with unlimited high speed data that is operated by a decentralized wireless network. Most traditional mobile phone carriers own towers that create the network for cellular coverage all around the country. With REALLY on the other hand, customers are set up with network antennas that creates a “tower” wherever they are. 

Similar to Astound Mobile and Google Fi, REALLY also utilizes the services of T-Mobile’s network. Since REALLY has the benefits of a decentralized wireless network, you can expect the various plans to be more expensive than other popular mobile phone carriers so there are so many more features that are offered.