In 2015, Google launched Project Fi, its mobile virtual network operator - that is, a communication provider without its own wireless network infrastructure. When it was first announced to the public, Google had partnered up with Sprint and T-Mobile to provide its services to its clients.
But in order to expand their coverage, Google has now teamed up with US Cellular, according to a Google Blog entry by Project Fi project manager, Evan Jacobs. He states that speed and consistency are at the heart of reliable mobile connectivity, and this is why Google has partnered up with US Cellular. The entry goes on to say that US Cellular offers services to as many as 23 states with 4G LTE coverage for both urban and rural areas and will therefore take care of some coverage gaps.
Normally, Project Fi offers coverage in the areas where more than one of their partners offers LTE services. This is because, these situations make it perfect for Project Fi to comparatively analyze speeds from each network and choose which one offers faster services at a certain area, "down to the city block."
Jacobs went on to say that the deal was made in order to fulfil the promise of Project Fi, which is to ensure their clients have connection when and where they need it. The extra mile is that Project Fi automatically connects to whichever network is stronger in a particular place.
99% of the time, Fi users have connection, and 95% of that time is through LTE. With US Cellular, which is the fifth largest cellular network in the United States, Project Fi will be able to improve on these numbers still.
As C|Net notes, the Project Fi was initially only available by invitation, but was made accessible for the public last March - likely because of the expansion of their network.
