Can I keep my number if I switch to Tello?

Absolutely! You'll need to get a port code from your current provider, and when you activate your SIM card, you can request to transfer your current number over.

Does Tello have the same coverage as T-Mobile?

Yes, Tello is powered by the T-Mobile network.

Why is Tello so cheap?

Tello is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). Instead of owning its own network, it leases a network from one of the big three. In Tello's case, this is T-Mobile. It's also online based, so there are no physical stores or sales staff. This helps keep costs low so they can pass these savings on to their customers.

Can you cancel Tello at any time?

There are no contracts with Tello, so if you want to amend your plan or switch carriers, you're free to do so at any time.

Tell does offer 5G with all of their plans as long as you've got a 5G-compatible phone.

What is Tello? Is it Worth it?

4 min read

Updated October 20, 2023

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Looking for a cheap phone plan that doesn't scrimp on quality? With Tello, you can save big without sacrificing the network coverage.

Tello prepaid plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, so you can expect the same 4G LTE coverage and fast 5G speeds (where it's available). Plus, with Tello's selection of plans, you'll find a budget-friendly option to suit your needs.

We've broken down what you need to know, including the pros and cons of Tello, to help you decide if Tello's the right provider for you.

1. Is Tello good?

Choosing a cell phone plan can be personal. It'll depend on your needs and how much you want to spend on your bill.

Tello service offers reliable plans at a budget-friendly price, but before you jump on board, it's important to know all the details.

Sure, they offer reasonably priced plans and operate on dependable network coverage. But it's worth keeping the pros and cons in mind.

Tello advantages

Free international calls to 60+ countries
Build your own plan option
Affordable plans starting at around $10 a month
Mobile hotspot data use with all plans
4G LTE and 5G coverage
Customizable family plans

Tello disadvantages

No multi-line discounts
Data deprioritization during busy times
No International roaming
Throttles data when allowance reached
A small range of new cell phones

2. Tello cell phone plans

Carrier	Network	Data	Price
Tello unlimited talk & text plan	T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage	0GB	$8/mo
Tello 1GB plan	T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage	1GB	$9/mo
Tello 2GB plan	T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage	2GB	$10/mo
Tello 5GB plan	T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage	5GB	$14/mo
Tello 10GB plan	T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage	10GB	$19/mo

One of the great things about Tello is that you can build your own plan. You can choose from the number of calls, texts, and data you want. And when it comes to Tello family plans, each family member can customize a plan to suit their individual needs.

You can also bring your own device and phone number to save even more money.

3. Tello 5G & 4G LTE coverage

The FCC collects coverage data, which only offers an approximate indication and doesn't account for indoor coverage. The actual speed and performance can vary depending on your location and device. The reception you experience is influenced by local conditions and elements like natural and artificial physical features in your area.

If you're after some serious coverage that can be relied on even in the remotest nooks and crannies, Tello is an affordable option.

Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, whose data speeds are impressive, along with an expansive 5G infrastructure, according to the latest RootMetrics report.

To find out if T-Mobile's got good coverage where you live, you can check the Tello coverage map using your ZIP code.

But here's the thing, your speeds might take a hit during busy periods due to deprioritization.

4. Tello unlimited data

Unlimited never really means unlimited. And with Tello, their unlimited plan gets you 25GB of high-speed data before being slowed until your next billing cycle.

As an MVNO, Tello unlimited plans are a fraction of the cost of an unlimited plan with T-Mobile directly. But do you really need unlimited data?

Although the average monthly data usage has gone up, with the availability of WiFi, keeping connected as much as possible can reduce your data usage.

5. Tello family plans

Plan	1 line	2 lines	3 lines	4 lines
Tello Unlimited Talk & Text	$8	$16 $8/line	$24 $8/line	$32 $8/line
Tello 1GB	$9	$18 $9/line	$27 $9/line	$36 $9/line
Tello 2GB	$10	$20 $10/line	$30 $10/line	$40 $10/line
Tello 5GB	$14	$28 $14/line	$42 $14/line	$56 $14/line
Tello 10GB	$19	$38 $19/line	$57 $19/line	$76 $19/line

If you're looking for plans for the whole family, Tello has some flexible options with their family plans.

One downside is that there are no discounts for additional lines. However, you can have all lines together in one easy account.

With Tello's buildable plans, this means you can create a customizable plan for each family member. No more shared data!

6. Tello features

Carrier Features	Tello
Networks	T-Mobile
Data Speed	5G & 4G LTE
3G Network	GSM
Mobile Hotspot
Bring Your Phone
Keep Your Number
Contract	Yes - Prepaid
Credit Check
Customer Service	24/7
Money Back Guarantee

Carrier Features	Tello
5G
Taxes/fees included
VoLTE
WiFi Calling
Visual Voicemail
Multi-line Discounts
Multi-month Discounts
International Calls	Yes - Includes 60+ countries
International Roaming

7. Tello customer service

Tello Trustpilot rating: 4.6 stars - Excellent
T-Mobile Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars - Bad
AT&T Trustpilot rating: 1.3 stars - Bad
Verizon Trustpilot rating: 1.2 stars - Bad

8. Bring your own phone to Tello

Why waste money on a new phone if you're happy with your current handset? With Tello, as long as your phone is compatible and unlocked, you can bring your own phone to Tello.

9. Tello phones

If you're craving an upgrade, you can explore a selection of budget-friendly Tello phones.

10. Tello activation

Tello is a low-cost carrier that's based online, so it's super easy to sign up for one of their plans.

You can choose a Tello SIM card kit which will be sent straight to your door. If your phone supports eSIM, you'll have your plan set up within minutes.

If you're looking to transfer your number to Tello, you'll need to contact your current provider (make sure to have your account number to hand), and they'll provide you with the information you need to give Tello when you activate your plan.

To delve deeper, you can read more with our Tello review.

Tello FAQs

Recap: Should you switch to Tello?

Saving you up to $600 a year per line on your cell phone bill, Tello offers a range of cheap plans. But if you want to switch to Tello, it's worth making sure it's the right fit for you.

Before you take the leap, make sure to check the coverage in your area. And work out how much data you (and your family if you're going for a family plan) need. To make sure you're not paying for features you don't really need.