HACKER Q&A
📣 cft

Sick with Covid in Spain, Google Fi suddenly cuts off my phone service


I was delayed in Spain because of Covid. I evacuated here sick with Covid from Ukraine, just before the war. Suddenly Google Fi cuts off my service, with no warning. I have not received their email. Can somebody help me on HN? I edited out my case ID from the chat, but I can add it.

Welcome to Google Support. My name is Lohitha. How are you today? Please make a note of this case ID: 5-XXXXXXX for future reference. Lohitha · 1:32 PM

I described the problem: I suddenly lost data connection today and cannot reconnet to data 1:32 PM L

I see that you are facing issues with the international data connection. I will help you to the best of my expertise. Thanks for the details. Lohitha · 1:33 PM

In the screenshot, all networks that now say Forbidden were available until today 1:34 PM L

Okay. Are you on active military duty or a government employee? Lohitha · 1:35 PM

no 1:35 PM L

Thank you for the details. Lohitha · 1:35 PM

Got it. I have checked the details and see that your international data capability is suspended. Lohitha · 1:39 PM

Why? 1:39 PM L

As per our Terms of Service, Fi must be primarily used in the United States (territories not included) and isn’t intended for extended international use. If you plan to stay abroad, we recommend you use a local carrier until you return to the US. Lohitha · 1:39 PM

I had covid and I was delayed here I have documents that show that I have had covid recently 1:40 PM L

Axxx, I completely understand. I would have definitely helped you with this if there would have been any other alternative options. Lohitha · 1:42 PM

I am returning to the US in 2 weeks: I even had to ask for a stay extension because I am sick. I hope you won't cut off my service because I have Covid? I can upload my doctor's letter and a positive PCR test 1:44 PM L

Unfortunately, we don't have an option to provide exceptions for covid affected persons. I hope you understand. Your international data roaming capabilities are automatically reinstated once we determine that your services (data, talk and text) are primarily used in the United States (territories not included) as per our Terms of Service. Lohitha · 1:45 PM

I am sick and you cut off my phone without warning! There was no warning whatsoever 1:45 PM L

Axxx, you must have received an email before 30 days as a remainder. Lohitha · 1:46 PM

I have never received any email Nothing 1:46 PM L

Please check if you have blocked the system automated emails. Lohitha · 1:46 PM

I have not 1:46 PM L

Google Fi will send an email before 30 days. Lohitha · 1:47 PM

I have never seen the email And I cannot find it in my gmail account: I am looking no now 1:47 PM L

I understand. Please check your gmail settings if you have any restrictions. Lohitha · 1:48 PM

I did not set any restrictions. Since this is about disconnecting my phone, you could have called me or at least sent a text! can you please reinstate the service for 2 weeks? I am cut off from my banking, everything And I am sick 1:49 PM L

Axxx, it is an automated email system. Unfortunately, we don't have an option to send you a text or call. I hope you understand. I would have certainly helped you if there is any alternative option. It is my pleasure to assist you today! Have a good one! Lohitha left the chat. 1:50 PM

Thanks for contacting Google Fi chat support. Your chat session is now complete.


  👤 anm89 Accepted Answer ✓
Google fi isn't meant for long term travel. They cut you off after a few months outside the country, usually at around 6 months but sometimes earlier. It will turn back on once you arrive back I'm the states.

I've been through it before as well. It's very obnoxious that they don't make this more clear up front.


👤 khalidx
Hey OP, use airalo.com (or their mobile app) if you have an iPhone or a phone compatible with virtual eSIMs. Works in most countries. You can activate a plan from your phone in minutes, usually for under $10. Most plans are data-only but you can make calls over WhatsApp or Google Voice or something similar.

👤 demchog
when I was trying to speak to a person about the badly tuned google ad words, I could only get to a message that because of Covid, no one could talk to me. The monopolistic power turned this company into a dysfunctional bureaucracy

👤 tinus_hn
Just another reminder not to use these services for anything important.

👤 RL_Quine
Yeah- been there. They at least now tell you that, rather than the support playing dumb and telling you they have no idea what's going on.

👤 gundmc
How long have you been abroad? I wonder what time horizon they consider for "primarily in the US". Seems like it's >> 30 days.

👤 5ESS
I know why you think you’re special or entitled to an exception in the enforcement of the policy.

👤 demchog
stay away from google! The "don't be evil folks" lost their motto long time ago

👤 Axsuul
Get a tourist SIM card in the meantime