Google’s mobile network may charge by the GB and offer rollover data


Google's forthcoming mobile network offering will charge per gigabyte of data and will allow customers to carry over unused data into the next billing cycle, according to newly leaked information.


Android Police (h/t 9to5Google) has uncovered a prototype app which appears to reveal how users will pay for the MVNO service, expected to launch in the United States at some point this year.


The app, codenamed Tycho, appears to allow users to pay their bills manage their user and adjust their plans. Users will also be able to activate a service, pause service and request a new phone number directly from the app.


However, more interesting is the data plan information which suggests an informal, customer-friendly structure will be put in place.


It seems consumers will be charged per their usage rather than having a limit to stay within each moth.


Users will purchase their data at the start of each month, according to the leaked information, and anything that’s left will be available for them beyond that period. Likewise, if they go other the limit, there’ll be no penalties for purchasing more data.


According to the leaks it appears that all calls to numbers in the US and Canada will be free with a small fee for international calling, perhaps akin to the rates Google Voice users currently pay.


There’ll also be the ability to add additional lines to an account share data plans, the report claims. More lines will incur a flat rate fee, while all of the devices will be able to share the same data pool. There’ll also be data-only plans for tablets, judging by the leaked information.


There’s also evidence to suggest to back up previous reports claiming users will benefit from auto switching between networks.


Finally, the service is identified within the Tyco app as Project Fi, but it is widely expected to be called Google Wireless on launch, whenever that may be.



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Today’s report is the latest promising indication that Google’s wireless service could truly shake up the wireless landscape in the United States.


Just last week it was reported the web giant had been discussing a wholesale agreement with Three in the UK, allowing American customers to use their plans as normal when roaming in the UK.