What network does Tello use?
Tello is powered by the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE wireless network, offering the same coverage without the expensive price tag.
Tello is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), they provide cell phone service that could save you $600 per year on your phone bill, without sacrificing wireless coverage or call quality.
Below you'll find further information to help decide if Tello has the best wireless coverage for your needs.
Tello coverage
What towers does Tello use?
Tello operates on the T-Mobile network, so you'll have access to the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage and 5G where it's available.
Even if you've had a plan with T-Mobile before it's always worth checking cell phone coverage in your area, which you can easily do with our ZIP code checker for availability at your address.
Tello coverage comparison
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Does Tello have 5G?
You can get access to the 5G network at no extra cost with Tello, with a 5G compatible device.
Is Tello CDMA or GSM?
T-Mobile uses the GSM network so Tello is compatible with all GSM phones. Don't worry if your phone is not using the same technology, you can still save money on your cell phone plan. If you want to check your phone's compatibility you can use our IMEI checker.
Is Tello available in my area?
Tello cell phone service
| Plan | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello Unlimited Talk & Text | 0GB | T-Mobile | $8/mo |
| Tello 1GB | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Tello 2GB | 2GB | T-Mobile | $14/mo |
| Tello 5GB | 5GB | T-Mobile | $19/mo |
| Tello 10GB | 10GB | T-Mobile | $24/mo |
| Tello Unlimited Data | Unltd | T-Mobile | $29/mo |
T-Mobile vs Tello comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Tello | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 5GB | $19/mo | $228/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $51/mo | $612/yr | |
Tello benefits
- Quality coverage: Powered by the T-Mobile network, you can expect the same nationwide coverage.
- Value for money: Tello SIM cards offer value and simplicity with their plans. Although you'll find the same features and coverage as a plan direct from T-Mobile, Tello could save you up to $600 a year.
- No contracts: Tello plans are prepaid, so if you're not happy with your plan there are no restrictions keeping you locked in.
- Phone and plan bundles: If you're interested in purchasing a new cell phone, you can find a range of the best Tello phones to choose from. Just like a phone and plan bundle from one of the major networks, but with affordable options.
- Bring your own phone: If you don't want to upgrade your phone you can easily bring your own, with Tello bring your own phone plans. You'll just need to check your cell phone is fully compatible.
- Easy set up: Being online-based, it's quick to choose and purchase your Tello SIM starter kit. Once your SIM card's arrived, it's easy to set up and you'll be up and running with a few simple steps.
- Unlimited talk & text: Most MVNOs provide free calls with their plans by offering unlimited talk and text.
- 4G LTE coverage: Operating on the T-Mobile network, you'll receive their 4G LTE data speeds.
- 5G high-speed data: If you have a 5G smart mobile device you can get access to the fast 5G network (where it's available) at no extra cost with Tello 5G plans.
- Unlimited plans: Depending on how much data you want, Tello unlimited plans offer unlimited everything at half the price of a T-Mobile unlimited plan.
- Multiple lines: Most prepaid carriers offer a discount for additional lines purchased, making Tello family plans a great money-saving option when buying more than one line.
- Customer service: Find out what current Tello customers are saying with Tello customer reviews.
- Promo codes: You can compare Tello deals and promo codes to see what savings are currently available, however, these deals change regularly.
Read our full Tello review
Tello features
| Network | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | |
| Bring Your Phone | |
| Keep Your Number | |
| Credit Check | |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
| 5G | |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
| Taxes/fees included | |
| VoLTE | |
| WiFi Calling | |
| Visual Voicemail | |
| Multi-line Discounts | |
| Multi-month Discounts | |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| International Roaming |
Recap
Tello makes it possible to get a cell phone plan on the T-Mobile network without the big ticket prices.
Offering the same nationwide coverage with 4G LTE and the 5G network, where it's available.
With MVNOs you'll get flexible plans with no contracts, so you're free to amend or cancel without any additional fees.
If you're not sure Tello plans are right for you, there's a large selection of MVNOs across all networks you can compare to find your perfect low-cost plan.
Tello coverage FAQs
How good is Tello coverage?
Powered by T-Mobile you'll receive nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
What service does Tello use?
Tello uses the T-Mobile wireless network.
Where is Tello available?
Tello's cell phone service is available nationwide as they operate on the T-Mobile wireless network.
Tello service coverage
Tello info
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | 4780 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Suite A 236 Atlanta, GA, 30338 United States |
| Employees | 51-200 |
| Customer service | (866) 377-0294 |
| Support | Visit Support |
| Website | Tello's Website |
| Wikipedia | Tello's Wikipedia |
| Tello's Facebook | |
| Tello's Twitter |
