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Tello for families: Each line is priced independently — there are no shared data pools. However, the per-line pricing is so low that even without a bundle discount, 4 lines of Tello Unlimited costs $116/mo total — compared to $200–$250/mo at AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile for 4 unlimited lines. That's $84–$134/mo savings for the family.
| Lines |
Plan |
Tello Total |
Major Carrier Est. |
Monthly Savings |
| 1 line |
Unlimited |
$29/mo |
$65–$90/mo |
$36–$61/mo |
| 2 lines |
Unlimited |
$58/mo |
$120–$160/mo |
$62–$102/mo |
| 4 lines |
Unlimited |
$116/mo |
$200–$250/mo |
$84–$134/mo |
| 4 lines |
5 GB each |
$56/mo |
$200–$250/mo |
$144–$194/mo |
*Major carrier estimates for 4 unlimited lines: AT&T ~$200/mo, Verizon ~$200/mo, T-Mobile ~$200/mo (with autopay). Tello rates are per-line, no autopay discount needed — prices shown are final. Annual savings for a family of 4 on Unlimited: $1,008–$1,608/year.
Tello has one of the cleanest billing structures in wireless. Here's what you can expect on your bill:
SIM Card
Free (mail) or eSIM
Data Overage
$0 (slowed, not cut)
📊 Sample Monthly Bill — Tello Unlimited
Base plan rate: $29.00/mo
- Activation fee: $0.00
- Contract fee: $0.00
- Federal Universal Service Fund: ~$1.00–$1.50
- State/local taxes: varies by location (~3–8%)
Estimated total: ~$30–$32/mo for unlimited data, talk, and text. Tello is the only wireless carrier where you can consistently expect your bill to be within $2–$3 of the advertised plan price.
Tello does not charge activation, port-in, or cancellation fees. SIM cards are mailed free or eSIM activation is instant. Plans are prepaid (pay before service month), so there are no late fees. Taxes vary by state — typical total adds $1–$3/mo to the advertised plan price.
Coverage
Tello Coverage — T-Mobile's Nationwide Network
Tello runs entirely on T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network — the same infrastructure you'd get as a T-Mobile direct customer, just at a significantly lower price point. T-Mobile has the largest 5G footprint in the U.S., covering 300+ million people across all 50 states.
For rural coverage, T-Mobile's low-band 600 MHz spectrum provides stronger signal propagation through terrain and buildings than higher-band 5G. You'll find T-Mobile signal in areas where Verizon's millimeter-wave 5G doesn't reach. For a comparison of which network is strongest in your specific area, enter your zip code at T-Mobile's coverage map before switching.
✅ 4G LTE nationwide
✅ 5G in most major markets
✅ Rural low-band coverage
✅ Hawaii & Alaska included
✅ Wi-Fi calling supported
✅ International roaming available
Device Compatibility
Which Phones Work on Tello?
Tello supports any unlocked GSM phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's network. This includes virtually all modern Android phones and iPhones. If you bought your phone from AT&T or T-Mobile directly, it should already be compatible (same network family). Verizon phones are CDMA-based and may need to be confirmed compatible — most modern Verizon phones (2019 and later) support T-Mobile bands.
How to switch to Tello in 3 steps
- Check that your phone is unlocked — call your current carrier or visit their website. Phones on completed payment plans unlock for free upon request.
- Choose your Tello plan and activate via eSIM (instant) or order a free SIM card. Provide your current phone number and account PIN to port your number.
- Your number transfers within 1–24 hours. Your old plan cancels automatically once the port completes. Done — same number, lower bill.
Our Verdict
Tello Review — What We Think
What we like
✅ Lowest plan prices available ($9–$29/mo)
✅ True month-to-month, no upfront required
✅ $0 activation, port-in, and cancellation fees
✅ eSIM support for instant activation
✅ T-Mobile 5G nationwide network
✅ Lifeline program participant
✅ Custom plan builder (mix data/talk/text)
What we don't like
⚠️ Deprioritized during network congestion
⚠️ No premium streaming perks (Netflix, Disney+)
⚠️ No physical store locations — online-only
Our verdict: Tello is the correct answer for anyone who is primarily on WiFi at home and work and doesn't need premium extras. The $29/mo unlimited plan on T-Mobile's network is genuinely the cheapest unlimited option available in the U.S. without any internet service requirement. The lack of streaming perks and the online-only model are minor trade-offs compared to saving $40–$60/mo per line. Rating: ★ 4.6 / 5
FAQ
Tello Phone Plans — Common Questions
Is Tello a legitimate carrier? Is it safe to switch?▾
Yes — Tello is a legitimate MVNO that has operated since 2015 and is licensed by the FCC. Millions of customers use Tello nationwide.Tello is owned by iBASIS, a large international communications company. It operates on T-Mobile's licensed network infrastructure. Switching to Tello carries no more risk than switching to any major carrier — your phone continues to work on the same towers, your number transfers via federal portability rights, and you can cancel any month without penalty. Call (978) 723-5746 if you'd like help verifying compatibility for your specific phone before switching.
What network does Tello use?▾
Tello runs on T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network — the same towers T-Mobile's own customers use.T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the U.S. by geographic coverage area, using mid-band 2.5 GHz spectrum and low-band 600 MHz spectrum. The practical difference between Tello and T-Mobile direct is that during peak congestion periods, T-Mobile's own subscribers get network priority — Tello customers may see temporary speed reductions during busy evening hours in very congested areas. For most users outside dense urban cores, this difference is barely noticeable.
Does Tello have a $9/mo plan that actually works?▾
Yes — Tello's 1 GB plan at $9/mo is a real, functional phone plan with unlimited talk and text on T-Mobile's network.The 1 GB plan is ideal for people who spend most of their time on WiFi and only use cellular data occasionally — checking email away from home, light map navigation, quick browsing. After you use 1 GB of data, speeds are slowed to 2G (not cut off) for the remainder of the month. If you want more data cushion, the 5 GB plan at $14/mo is the next step and handles most moderate users comfortably.
Can I use my current phone with Tello?▾
Yes, if your phone is unlocked and T-Mobile compatible. Most phones purchased in 2019 or later work on Tello.iPhones (iPhone 6 and newer) are compatible with T-Mobile's network. Android phones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Motorola, and most manufacturers are compatible. If you bought your phone from Verizon, it may be locked — contact Verizon to unlock it (free once your payment plan is complete). Sprint phones are also compatible since T-Mobile and Sprint merged. Check tello.com/byop to confirm your specific IMEI before switching. Call (978) 723-5746 for help with compatibility questions.
Does Tello support eSIM?▾
Yes — Tello supports eSIM activation, allowing you to switch to Tello without a physical SIM card.eSIM activation is available on compatible iPhones (iPhone XS and newer), Google Pixel (3 and newer), Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and many other modern smartphones. To activate via eSIM, select eSIM at checkout and scan the QR code from your current phone. Activation typically completes in minutes. If you prefer a physical SIM, Tello mails them for free.
Can I keep my phone number when switching to Tello?▾
Yes — Tello supports free number porting from any U.S. carrier, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and all other MVNOs.During Tello signup, enter your current number, account number, and account PIN from your current carrier. The port typically completes within 2–24 hours. Keep your current SIM active until the port completes — your old service cancels automatically once the number transfers. Do not cancel your old plan manually before the port finishes. Call (978) 723-5746 for help getting your account number and PIN from your current carrier.
Does Tello have hotspot included?▾
Yes — all Tello plans include mobile hotspot at no extra charge. Your hotspot uses the same data as your phone plan.On the 1 GB plan, your 1 GB covers both phone browsing and hotspot. On the unlimited plan, hotspot is unlimited but subject to the same deprioritization policy as phone data during congestion. Hotspot speeds on Tello are not separately throttled — you get your full plan speed for hotspot use. This is notably better than some MVNOs that cap hotspot at 5 Mbps.
How does Tello's unlimited plan compare to other unlimited MVNOs?▾
Tello's unlimited plan at $29/mo is the cheapest month-to-month unlimited plan on T-Mobile's network. It undercuts Mint Mobile's unlimited ($30/mo) by $1 while also not requiring 3-month upfront payment.Compared to other unlimited MVNOs: Mint Mobile $30/mo (T-Mobile, 3-month upfront required), Visible $25/mo (Verizon, cheapest unlimited overall), Spectrum Mobile $29.99/mo (Verizon, requires Spectrum internet). If you don't have Spectrum internet and want to stay on T-Mobile's network, Tello Unlimited at $29/mo is the best available option. Call (978) 723-5746 to discuss which plan fits your usage.
Is Tello good for international travel?▾
Tello offers international calling and texting add-ons, but is not the strongest option for heavy international travelers — major carriers offer better international day-pass and roaming packages.For occasional calls abroad, Tello's international calling rates are competitive. However, if you travel internationally frequently and need data roaming, AT&T Premium ($85/mo) includes roaming in 200+ countries, and T-Mobile Go5G Plus includes free texting and data in 215+ countries. For a budget international option, consider T-Mobile's pay-as-you-go international rates or a travel SIM for your destination. Call (978) 723-5746 to discuss international options that fit your travel schedule.
Does Tello qualify for the Lifeline low-income program?▾
Yes — Tello participates in the federal Lifeline program, which provides a $9.25/mo discount to qualifying low-income households.Lifeline eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the federal poverty level) or participation in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Federal Public Housing. Applied to Tello's 1 GB plan ($9/mo), the $9.25 Lifeline credit effectively makes the plan free (with just taxes remaining). Applied to Tello's 5 GB plan ($14/mo), you'd pay approximately $4.75/mo plus taxes. To apply, visit lifelinesupport.org or call (978) 723-5746 for assistance.
What happens when I hit my data limit on a non-unlimited Tello plan?▾
When you use all your data for the month, Tello slows your data to 2G speeds (128 Kbps) rather than cutting it off or charging overages.At 2G speeds, data-heavy apps like streaming video or large downloads won't function well. However, text messaging apps (iMessage, WhatsApp), basic email, and very light browsing still work at 2G. Tello does not charge overage fees — your bill stays the same regardless of how much you use. You can also add a data top-up mid-month if you need more high-speed data before your next billing cycle. Call (978) 723-5746 if you're frequently hitting your data limit and should consider moving to a higher plan.
Can I get a new phone through Tello or do I have to bring my own?▾
Tello sells phones at tello.com including budget Android options, refurbished iPhones, and some new models — though their device selection is smaller than major carriers.Tello is primarily designed as a BYOP (bring your own phone) carrier. If you need to buy a phone, Tello typically offers a smaller selection than Best Buy, Amazon, or Apple directly. For the best phone deals when switching to Tello, consider purchasing an unlocked phone from Amazon, B&H, or Apple's unlocked store, then activating on Tello separately. Call (978) 723-5746 for help finding the right device-and-plan combination.
