Google Fi

Terry is having an issue on his mobile phone that won't let him remove an app, and now his camera is crashing.  He's leaving in a week for Japan. Leo says that it's time to get a new phone, because his phone is older. He recommends going with Google Fi, because it's a great international travel phone. But if you want to keep the phone, then Leo recommends backing up the phone on Google, and then reset it. Then, when you restore, Google will restore all your apps. Or, you can go into the Google store and see what you've downloaded and restore them manually. 

Jeff wants to get a new iPhone (he's using an iPhone 4) but he doesn't wait to pay a lot for data. Leo says to go with Mint Mobile (who is a sponsor on the TWiT Network). It's an MNVO (mobile virtual network operator) and you can pay $300 a year and get 12GB annually. That's a pretty good deal.  Another option is Google Fi. It requires one of their phones, but you can pay as you go and it's very affordable. Plus you get access to multiple networks: it's great for international travel. 

Sherman is going to be going hiking around the world and wants to know which service to go with? Leo says that Google Fi is great because it uses three separate mobile carriers. He could also go with TMobile, they offer 2G around the world for no extra cost. But it's slow. He's also getting a Chromebook, is an i5 processor fine? Leo says it'll be expensive, but he can. Does he need a VPN? Leo says not really.  Especially in a country like China, where using a VPN will get him arrested.

Scott uses Google Hangouts on his iPad Mini, but when he used it today, the little phone icon is missing. It's been removed from his personal account. What gives? Leo says Google has announced that it is eliminating Hangouts to all but Google Fi users. 

Tony is getting ready to sign up for Google Fi for his daughter, who's traveling overseas. After she gets back, can he transfer it to his Google account? Leo says it's a better idea to sign up for Google Fi with a new Google Voice account and number.

Don has a Samsung Galaxy S9 and they're going to take a cruise to the Baltic soon. He wants to know if he should sign up with Google Fi before he does. Rich used to buy the SIMs, which is the best way to do it. Don should check out Prepaidwithdata.wikia.com for what is the best in the countries Don is travelling to.  He can also try getting a MiFi Mobile Hotspot. That way he can use it overseas with multiple devices. He can also try using the Passport plan with his carrier. He can also check out Verizon's international options, which offer 2G coverage for free for users. 

Tony's daughter is travelling to Turkey and he wants to know if Google Fi is a good service for international travel with the Motorola Moto G6. Leo says it certainly is! Plus, it's affordable and about the same cost in Turkey as it is in the US.

Ken has Android and he's having issues with Chromecast. Leo says that Ken's smartphone is fairly old, running Android 4.3 (too old for Chromecast compatibility). So he'll need to get a newer device under his budget of $300. Leo says that his current favourite budget smartphone is the Motorola Moto G6. He can get them unlocked directly from Motorola for under $200. Google Fi is selling the G6 for $99.

Tracey's husband has retired and they've bought a travel trailer to see the sights. But they quickly surpass their data caps on their mobile devices and is looking for an alternative. Leo says that you can buy a larger data plan. It really comes down to how much data you need from month to month. Part of Tracey's problem is she has three kids who are also on the plan. So they blow through 22 GB is days. Using a satellite dish is possible, but you have to aim it every time you stop, the gear is expensive, and the caps are small and slow. But Exceed by Wild Blue is the best.