Is Tello AT&T or T-Mobile?

Tello is powered by the T-Mobile network.

Is Tello GSM or CDMA?

CDMA and GSM are irrelevant now due to the latest 4G LTE and 5G technology. However, Tello used the GSM network.

Why is Tello so cheap?

Being online-based means that Tello doesn't have the overheads associated with owning physical stores or their own network infrastructure. So Tello cell phone plans can provide savings on your cell phone bill.

Does Tello slow down your data?

If you go over your data allowance, your speeds will be throttled until your next billing cycle. You may also find during busy periods that your data's deprioritized temporarily.

What Network Does Tello Use?

2 min read

Updated October 20, 2023

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Tello is a low-cost carrier that operates on the T-Mobile network.

As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (or MVNO), you'll find cheap cell phone service on the same T-Mobile network, including access to their fast 5G speeds.

If you're considering switching to Tello, ensuring they're the right cell phone provider for you is important.

We've covered more information below on Tello's coverage.

Tello 5G & 4G LTE network coverage

Tello is an MVNO that's powered by the T-Mobile network to bring you nationwide coverage with 5G and high-speed data.

And with a low-cost carrier like Tello Mobile, you get access to T-Mobile's network at a fraction of the cost.

Not owning their own network and being online-based means they can offer cheap cell phone plans without sacrificing quality.

However, there are some areas that may not be covered, so if you're not familiar with the T-Mobile network, you can check our Tello coverage map using your ZIP code.

Tello coverage pros & cons

Tello can offer many benefits of a major carrier without the high-ticket price. However, as with everything, there are pros and cons to Tello's coverage with T-Mobile's network.

Benefits of Tello coverage

5G coverage: Tello customers get access to T-Mobile's network, which offers the best 5G coverage, according to this OpenSignal report.
Bring your own phone: Tello allows you to bring your own phone. And most of the latest smartphones are compatible with the T-Mobile network.

Here are a couple of things we're not so keen on with Tello's coverage:

Disadvantages of Tello coverage

Deprioritization: Your speeds can be slowed during peak times.
No international roaming: There's no international roaming available with Tello's coverage.

Does Tello have fast data speeds?

In busy periods, your speeds will likely be slowed when the T-Mobile network is experiencing high levels of traffic.

To help during this time, you can try to download any music, videos, podcasts, and Google maps you may need while you're connected to WiFi ahead of time.

Tello network FAQs

Recap: What towers do Tello use?

Powered by the T-Mobile network, Tello prepaid SIM card plans start at around $10 a month. So you get the same quality T-Mobile coverage at half the price. Although you may notice slower speeds during peak times,

If you've not used T-Mobile before, you can check coverage in your area using your ZIP code.

You can delve deeper with our Tello review to find out more.