Some Google Fi customers are being charged full prices rather than their finance-agreement rates for phones

Google Fi is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates in the United States. As the name suggests, it is run by the Mountain View search giant of the same name. Fi offers a relatively simplified range of call, text and data plans, as well as some phones that run on stock Android. They include the Pixel 3/3XL, the Moto G6 and the Moto G7.

These devices are sold at the prices also set in the Google Play Store (e.g. US$799 for the Pixel 3). However, it also offers interest-free financing on the same phones, provided the consumer in question satisfies a credit check. These plans involve paying a fixed monthly fee for a new unit until it is paid off. For example, these plans start at $33.29 per month for the Pixel 3.

This may be all well and good for those who cannot pay outright for a new device. However, an issue with this system has become apparent: a number of the customers in question have posted to Google Fi support, claiming that they have been charged the full whack for their phones rather than the agreed-upon monthly rate.

Google representatives have acknowledged this as a "known issue", and claim that the company is currently working to resolve it. Nevertheless, multiple posters claim that they remain in arrears due to this situation at present.