Google Fi, the tech giant's mobile virtual network operator, has announced a significant overhaul of its plans, introducing a new Unlimited Essentials plan priced at $35 per month for one line. This new plan offers unlimited calls, text, and data, along with access to 30GB of high-speed data, making it Google Fi's most affordable option yet.

In addition to the new Unlimited Essentials plan, Google Fi is also upgrading its existing plans. The Simply Unlimited plan has been rebranded as Unlimited Standard, which still costs $50 per month for one line, but now offers up to 50GB of high-speed data, a significant increase from the previous 35GB cap. Furthermore, the Unlimited Standard plan now includes 25GB of high-speed hotspot tethering, a five-fold increase from the previous 5GB limit.

The Unlimited Premium plan, formerly known as Unlimited Plus, has also received a boost, with its high-speed data cap increasing from 50GB to 100GB. While the plan's price remains at $65 per month for one line, it no longer offers unlimited high-speed hotspot tethering, instead capping it at 50GB.

Another notable update is the introduction of eSIM support for secondary devices, such as tablets and laptops. This feature allows users to quickly connect their devices to their Google Fi plan using a QR code, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This feature is particularly useful for devices like Apple's newest iPad Air and iPad Pro, which come with eSIM capabilities.

In other updates, Google Fi is expanding its international 5G coverage to over 92 countries for users on its Unlimited Premium and Flexible plans. Additionally, iPhones will now be able to access international 5G, a feature previously limited to Android devices. Finally, Google Fi is adding the ability to listen to voicemails directly from the Phone app, a feature set to roll out in the coming weeks.

These updates demonstrate Google Fi's commitment to providing its users with more affordable and feature-rich plans, as the mobile virtual network operator continues to compete with traditional carriers and other low-cost alternatives. With its new Unlimited Essentials plan and upgraded existing plans, Google Fi is likely to attract more budget-conscious consumers and heavy data users alike.

The launch of the new Unlimited Essentials plan and the upgrades to existing plans are significant developments in the mobile industry, as they highlight the ongoing trend of carriers and mobile virtual network operators competing on price and features. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Google Fi's new plans impact the market and influence its competitors.