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Google Fi adds eSIM support for tablets and laptops - no phone or hotspot needed
Connecting a tablet or laptop to a cellular network isn't always as easy or convenient as connecting a phone. You need to add the device to your existing cellular plan at extra cost or go through your phone's hotspot connection. Now, Google Fi is offering a new way to use a cellular connection without a phone -- and without any extra cost.
On Tuesday, Google announced that its wireless service now supports data-only eSIMs. This means that any cellular-enabled and eSIM-capable tablet or laptop can connect to the network all on its own, with no separate data plan and no phone required.
Also: The best tablets you can buy: Expert tested
A variety of devices now come with built-in eSIM. A search for eSIM-capable tablets reveals a host of recent choices, including the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Microsoft Surface Pro X and Duo, and the Lenovo Tab. Laptops that have eSIM include models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft. The specs for any given tablet or laptop should tell you if eSIM is built in.
Google Fi has long offered a way to connect a tablet or laptop via a physical SIM. And that option remains available for older devices that don't have eSIM capability. But an eSIM is easier and more convenient as you don't have to fiddle with a tiny card. (Maybe it's just me and my fumbling fingers, but I tend to drop SIM cards in the worst possible places.)
The main barrier on Google's part is that only specific plans let you use a data-only SIM or eSIM on a cellular-enabled tablet or laptop. For this, you'll need an Unlimited Premium plan that starts at $65 per month per line or a Flexible plan that starts at $20 per month per line plus $10 for each gigabyte of data. Subscribers with an Unlimited Standard or Unlimited Essentials plan can't add SIM cards to a tablet or laptop.
A Google Fi Wireless help page explains how to get started with an eSIM or SIM card. The eSIM support comes as Google Fi introduces new plans and perks to celebrate its 10th birthday.
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