Google Fi Brings Back Network Switching With 'Secondary' Partner

Google Fi is reintroducing network switching through a yet-to-be-announced secondary 5G carrier, according to 9to5Google. Users will primarily remain on the primary network, but the service will automatically switch to the secondary network if it is proven to enhance performance using smart thresholds. Upon launch, there will be no manual switching option.

The new feature builds upon Project Fi's original service, which supported both Sprint and T-Mobile before T-Mobile's acquisition of Sprint in 2020. Google did not disclose the identity of the secondary network but confirmed support for Ultra Wideband. The primary network will grant users top priority, while the backup network will provide the highest QCI priority, ensuring subscribers are among the last to experience congestion-induced slowdowns.

This feature will initially be accessible on Pixel 9 and newer devices equipped with a Google Fi eSIM (excluding other SIMs) and will utilize Android's Multiple Enabled Profiles (MEP) eSIM technology for dual carrier support. Network switching will begin rolling out today, gradually becoming available to more users.