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Why Google’s Hypocrisy Finally Drove Me Off Fi and Voice

Published

3 hours ago

January 31, 2025

android phone with app logos Google, Google Voice, Google Fi

Being an early adopter of Google Voice and Google Fi back in 2009, I recently made the decision to part ways with both services, ending a fifteen-year relationship with integrated services. The reason behind this move was Google’s neglect of its services and my frustration with its actions.

Google Voice, a number-forwarding service that was once revolutionary, allowed users to have a new phone number operated by Google for free. It could replace traditional cell or landline numbers and offered the convenience of accessing text messages through a dedicated app. As someone who reviews phones, this feature was invaluable. Google Fi, on the other hand, was Google’s mobile virtual network operator, providing competitive cell service options. However, due to Google’s lack of support for its own products and the numerous interoperability issues, I ultimately switched to Verizon for a less frustrating experience.

Google pesters Apple to support RCS

Despite Google’s public campaign for Apple to adopt RCS, a modern texting standard, Google Voice still does not support RCS messaging after fifteen years. This lack of support for a basic feature is disappointing and frustrating for users, especially when Google has urged Apple to improve messaging compatibility across platforms. The company’s failure to update Voice and provide essential features like RCS support has left users feeling abandoned.

Google tried — and failed — to make a messaging walled garden

Google’s repeated attempts to create a messaging ecosystem akin to iMessage have been unsuccessful. Despite launching multiple chat services over the years, Google has not been able to replicate the success of iMessage. The company’s push for Apple to support RCS seems more like a strategic move to compete with iMessage rather than a genuine effort to improve messaging for all users. Google’s history of failed communication services highlights the company’s struggle to establish a successful messaging platform.

While it is indeed a victory for users and consumers that Google has pushed Apple towards some interoperability with RCS, it cannot be ignored that Google only took this step after exhausting all other options to extend its monopolistic practices in this area.

The frustration felt by Google Voice users like myself, who have been requesting RCS for years, is palpable. Despite being an Android and Pixel user for over a decade, I found myself looking for alternatives as I sought higher-quality photo and video sharing options.

Attempting to port my Google Voice number to Google Fi proved to be a futile endeavor. Despite the theoretical compatibility between the two services, the porting process was riddled with issues. Even after reaching out to Google Fi support multiple times over the course of two years, no solution was found.

In December 2024, facing the need for better communication options during a holiday trip, I once again tried to port my number to Google Fi, only to be met with the same roadblock. The lack of clarity on why some Google Voice numbers cannot be transferred to Google Fi is frustrating, especially considering Google’s public support for RCS.

When questioning Google Voice’s lack of RCS support, the response from customer service was disappointing. The inability of a Google service to adhere to Google’s own messaging standards is perplexing, to say the least.

Ultimately, I turned to Verizon Wireless for a solution, finding that they were able to accept my Google Voice number with ease. The swift process of setting up an eSIM with Verizon served as a stark contrast to the struggles faced with Google’s own services.

In conclusion, the journey of attempting to use Google services with each other highlighted the lack of cohesion and support within Google’s ecosystem. Despite years of loyalty, it became clear that Google did not deserve my continued allegiance.

Switching to Verizon wasn’t exactly a smooth process for me. Despite not having a Verizon account, I was signed up for their service right away and had to physically go to a retail store to pay my first bill.

However, one positive aspect was that I was able to keep my phone number that I’ve had for 15 years, now free from any ties to Google. I’m now able to receive high-quality photos and videos from my family members. Unlike Google, Verizon doesn’t claim to adhere to open standards. It’s puzzling how Verizon was able to port my number seamlessly while Google couldn’t do the same within its own services.

Although this article may come across as complaining, I know there are other Voice and Fi users who share similar frustrations. My advice to them is to consider moving away from Google. No company should take your loyalty for granted, especially when they exhibit hypocrisy and indifference like Google does.