Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of April 28, 2015

Article Excerpt

The most exciting news I heard this past week was Google’s announcement of the launch of its Google Fi project. Google Fi will offer cellphone/smartphone service that uses Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, chosen from a huge list of Wi-Fi hotspots around the U.S. When Wi-Fi is unavailable, it will switch users to one of two existing cell networks (T-Mobile or Sprint—whichever is stronger at the customer’s location). The company plans to add additional cell network alternatives as they become available. The service will initially cost $20 a month, plus $10 for each GB of data. That’s much cheaper than most cellphone plans. Moreover, the service will refund the pro-rata cost of unused data each month, which is unheard of in the cell industry. To top it off, Google Fi will offer service in more than 120 countries, at a far lower cost than you can get by using a U.S.-based cellphone. More important, it will be vastly more convenient for travelers than…