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Project Fi no longer requires an invite, offers $199 Nexus 5X for a limited time

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Project Fi launched 10 months ago as an invitation-only MVNO cellular service, and — until now — it usually took at least a few days to get an invite (unless you were lucky enough to get an instant invite given to mark certain occasions). Starting today, Fi has dropped the invitation system and anybody can now sign-up without a wait.


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Google sends Project Fi update emails, promises complete invite rollout by mid-summer

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Earlier this month, Google began sending the first invites to users for its Project Fi wireless carrier initiative. Users receiving invites have been rare so far and this evening Google sent an update email to those who requested an invite at launch. Unfortunately, the email being sent to users today doesn’t include an invite, but rather only an update on the process of the rollout.


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Google begins sending first Project Fi invites, offers more info on Google Voice integration

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Google appears to have started sending out the first invites to its Project Fi initiative, at least according to one user on Reddit. The user has shared screenshots of the entire setup process from start to finish. The process appears to be relatively simple and self-explanatory, with a step-by-step set-up process…


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Google acquired Athena Wireless in February, likely to bolster Fiber and MVNO ambitions

Google finalized a deal to acquire Surprise, Arizona startup Athena Wireless Communications in February of this year, according to reports. The company has been around for several years and has spent much of that time building wireless LTE and small cell technologies that can move data at gigabit Fiber-like speeds. The acquisition is an obvious one for a company such as Google that is continuing to build out its Google Fiber infrastructure and has plans to announce its own MVNO…
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Google reportedly looking to offer free international roaming with its MVNO

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Reports of a Google MVNO have been circulating for a few months now, with Google itself even adding fuel to the fire. Today, The Telegraph reports that one of Google’s goals with its wireless network is to offer free international roaming to its customers. The report claims that Google is in talks with Hong Kong-based Huchison Whampoa, the owner of Three and soon O2, regarding its ambitions.


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Non-functional ‘Google VPN’ spotted in Android 5.1 to ‘protect you on open WiFi networks’

A new app has been discovered in the recently released Android 5.1 update called Google Connectivity Services (via Pocketables), and within—if you do a bit of digging and launch the “WifiAssistantOptInActivity” activity—you can find the above pop-up labeled as “Google VPN”. It looks like the Mountain View company could be preparing to launch its own VPN to increase security when joining an open WiFi network, and this might be the dialogue box that users will be presented with when doing so…
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WSJ: Google’s wireless network to launch in coming weeks, but only w/ support for Nexus 6

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According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Google’s upcoming wireless service will only work with the Nexus 6 and no other devices. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report doesn’t delve into too many details regarding Google’s reasoning for why it’s limiting the service to the Nexus 6.


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Sundar Pichai talks MVNO, Android Pay, Project Titan, more at Mobile World Congress

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Google SVP Sundar Pichai sat down with Bloomberg’s Brad Stone at the Mobile World Congress today in Barcelona, Spain, and as happens often, he had some pretty interesting things to say. Among other topics, the Chrome and Android lead at Google talked about the company’s goals for improving the world’s Internet connectivity through various projects (including the company’s MVNO plans), Google’s further mobile payment ambitions with Android Pay, how Android will tie into virtual reality, and more…
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Why a Google MVNO is exactly what the US wireless industry needs

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Earlier this month, reports emerged claiming that Google was planning to launch its own wireless network called, at least in its developmental stage, Nova. The reports claimed that Google would partner with Sprint and T-Mobile for the network, notably without any contribution from the two biggest United State carriers, AT&T and Verizon.


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Moto G now available from Republic Wireless for $149 sans contract

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The 8GB variant of the Moto G is now available to buy from Republic Wireless for $149 without a contract. The North Carolina-based MVNO’s “hybrid calling” service is a mashup of VOIP calls via WiFi and roaming powered by Sprint’s CDMA network. If 8GB of storage isn’t enough to support your arsenal of apps, the carrier is also pushing the 16GB Moto G for an additional $30.


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Report: Google exploring its own wireless network in Fiber cities

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According to a new report from The Information, Google has been exploring the possibility of providing its own wireless network in cities where Fiber, its ultra high-speed broadband service, exists.

After thrusting itself into competition with U.S. cable operators, Google is inching closer to competing with wireless carriers, too.

Google executives in recent months discussed their hope to offer a full-fledged wireless service in markets where it offers Google Fiber Internet and TV service, according to two people who have discussed the matter with Google. Such an offering would mean Google customers in places like Kansas City, Mo. could get voice and Internet access through their mobile devices wherever they go.

While the report seems to be vague on specifics, it suggests that a potential Google-operated wireless provider could use WiFi access spots built on Google Fiber’s gigabit broadband and rely on another wireless provider in the area to provide service to cover the gaps.
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(Update: Now available) Republic Wireless prepares Moto X release with plans starting at $5 per month

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Update: Republic Wireless now has the Moto X available on their website for purchase beginning this morning, November 14th. 

Republic Wireless is making good on their promise to release the Moto X to the public in November with the expected to hit shelves this week according to a Mashable report. The device will retail at $299 from the Republic Wireless store and features all the tricks we’ve come to expect from Motorola’s first true “Google” smartphone.


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