One of the biggest advantages of Google Fi is the international coverage. If you are say a traveller or a business person who has to frequently go to different countries it would make sense to get a google fi connection.
You won’t have to shop around for different SIM card providers and pay bills to multiple networks. You get a predictable bill as well as a data plan for your money. No additional roaming charges. It is quite convenient and frankly speaking is something that should have been been promoted by core networks themselves considering how many people are travelling internationally so frequently.
There are other benefits like automatically connecting to WiFi networks and some “quality of life” upgrades but those are minor conveniences and not something that should influence your purchase decision.
On the other hand if you’re not spending too much time travelling, maybe only once or twice a year out of the country, then I don’t think that Google Fi is the best choice for you right now and the local plans may indeed be cheaper depending upon where you’re living.
To summarize, if your goal is to have an international mobile.plan with predictable pricing and max coverage google Fi is a good choice. It’s way better than having to buy SIM cards at destination. However if you’re not moving too much a local service provider may give you a better deal. Compare plans before buying.
Further Reading
Google Fi is a type of Mobile Virtual Network Operator. MVNO does not own the infrastructure but buys it from other providers in bulk and then sell it to individuals. Thereby passing on the cost savings.
You’d be surprised to know that around the world there are more than 900 MVNOs offering services to customers with over 220 M mobile connections.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
Although at the moment google operates as a mobile virtual network operator for Fi, it’s also getting into providing network access as well with it’s fiber project.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Fiber
As well as their undersea cables
https://www.cnet.com/news/google-third-subsea-cable-equiano-connect-portugal-south-africa-nigeria/
https://9to5google.com/2019/05/29/google-indigo-cable-live/amp/
Additionally google is also building wifi hotspots around the world with it’s google station and it’s wifi router products
https://store.google.com/?srp=/product/google_wifi
So it’s possible that in the future there may be a time when Google’s network and access points are better than those of its partners. And the best way to enjoy these services would be through the Google Fi project. Until that happens I’d say go with what’s best for you.
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