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Tello Mobile suits light and moderate users who want a low monthly bill with no contract: as listed in 2026, plans run from $5 for a custom plan to $10 for 2GB, $15 for 10GB, $20 for 20GB and $25 for unlimited data with 50GB at high speed and 10GB of hotspot. It is a legitimate prepaid carrier, run from Atlanta since 2016 on T-Mobile's network, BBB accredited since 2015 with an A+ rating. The tradeoffs are T-Mobile-only coverage, slower data after your high-speed allowance, taxes and a cost recovery fee of up to 30 cents added on top, and occasional activation and eSIM problems in reviews.
- Company and network
- Tello, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia; prepaid carrier (MVNO) on T-Mobile's network, owned by KeepCalling4
- Plan prices
- 2GB $10, 10GB $15, 20GB $20, Unlimited $25 per month, all with unlimited talk and text; custom plans from $5 (Tello broadband labels, July 2026; $25 and $15 plans confirmed on Tello's home page in October 2026)1
- Unlimited plan data
- 50GB of high-speed data, then slowed; 10GB of hotspot1
- Hotspot
- Included on every plan; smaller plans can use their full data allowance as hotspot1
- Fees
- No contract, no activation fee and no early termination fee; cost recovery fee up to 30 cents and government taxes are extra1
- Typical speeds
- 79 to 357 Mbps download on 5G and 13 to 61 Mbps on 4G, per Tello's FCC broadband label1
- International
- Free calls to 60+ countries with plans that include minutes; free roaming in Europe offer listed through January 31, 20272
- Support
- 611 from a Tello phone or +1-866-377-0294; email [email protected]1
Pros
- Plans from $5, and unlimited for $25 a month
- No contract, activation fee or termination fee
- Hotspot included on every plan
- Free calls to 60+ countries with plans that include minutes
- A+ BBB rating and 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot across 15,614 reviews
Cons
- Only one network (T-Mobile)
- Unlimited plan slows after 50GB
- Taxes and a cost recovery fee are added to the advertised price
- Some new numbers come with spam calls or verification-code problems
- Activation and eSIM issues show up in reviews
Best for: Single lines and light to moderate users with good T-Mobile coverage who want a low bill they can change every month.
Skip it if: T-Mobile is weak where you live, you regularly use more than 50GB, or you want taxes included in the price.
Tello vs. competitors
| Company | Network | Lowest unlimited price | How you pay | Taxes and fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | $25/mo (50GB high speed) | Monthly | Extra (taxes plus up to 30 cents) |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | $30/mo on a 12-month plan ($360 upfront) | Prepay 3, 6 or 12 months | Extra |
| Visible | Verizon | $25/mo | Monthly | Included |
| US Mobile | Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T | $25/mo (Starter) | Monthly or annual | Included |
Tello pricing at a glance
Tello plans, one line, per month, from Tello's FCC broadband labels (July 2026)1
| Plan | Price | High-speed data | Hotspot | Talk and text |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom (build your own) | From $5 | Your choice: none, 2GB, 10GB, 20GB or unlimited | Same as plan data | No minutes, 300 minutes or unlimited; text free |
| 2GB | $10 | 2GB, then slowed | Up to 2GB | Unlimited |
| 10GB | $15 | 10GB, then slowed | Up to 10GB | Unlimited |
| 20GB | $20 | 20GB, then slowed | Up to 20GB | Unlimited |
| Unlimited | $25 | 50GB, then slowed | 10GB | Unlimited |
Taxes vary by location and a cost recovery fee of up to 30 cents applies; no activation or termination fees. Tello runs short promos for new lines, such as 10GB for $10 a month for the first 3 months in summer 2026. We couldn't load tello.com directly, so prices come from archived copies of Tello's plan page (July 27, 2026) and home page (October 6, 2026); confirm at checkout.
Tello, step by step
Check coverage and your phone
Tello uses T-Mobile's network, so check coverage where you live and work, and make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible.
Build your plan
Pick a data amount and minutes, or the $25 unlimited plan. You can change plans each month at no cost.
Activate with eSIM or a SIM card
Activate online with an eSIM or a physical SIM, and transfer your number from your old carrier if you want to keep it.
Pay monthly, with no contract
Plans renew each month. You can add Pay As You Go credit for extra international calls.
Cancel anytime
Tello charges no early termination fee, so you can stop renewing or port your number out whenever you want.
Tello Mobile legitimacy and licensing
Yes. Tello, LLC is a prepaid carrier based in Atlanta that resells service on T-Mobile’s network. It launched in 2016 and is owned by KeepCalling. Its BBB profile shows an A+ rating, accreditation since September 18, 2015, and 92 complaints in the last three years. Trustpilot rates it 4.6 out of 5 across more than 15,000 reviews, and the company replies to nearly all negative ones.
Because Tello uses T-Mobile’s towers, your coverage is T-Mobile’s coverage.
Tello plans and prices
Tello’s FCC broadband labels in July 2026 listed four set plans with unlimited talk and text: 2GB for $10, 10GB for $15, 20GB for $20 and Unlimited for $25. Unlimited gives you 50GB of high-speed data before speeds drop, plus 10GB of hotspot. You can also build a custom plan from $5 by choosing your own data and minutes. Tello’s home page still advertised $25 unlimited and $15 for 10GB in October 2026.
The advertised price isn’t the full bill. Government taxes vary by location and Tello adds a cost recovery fee of up to 30 cents. There are no activation or early termination fees. Tello sometimes runs intro deals for new lines, like 10GB for $10 a month for three months.
Network, speeds and data limits
Tello’s label lists typical download speeds of 79 to 357 Mbps on 5G and 13 to 61 Mbps on 4G, with upload of 6 to 30 Mbps on 5G. After you use your plan’s high-speed data, Tello slows your connection rather than charging overage fees. Hotspot is included: the unlimited plan gets 10GB, and smaller plans can use their full data allowance as hotspot. Wi-Fi calling is included.
What customers say about Tello
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Low prices compared with the big carriers
- Helpful, responsive support agents
- Flexible plans you can change monthly
- Reliable service where T-Mobile coverage is good
Common complaints
- Activation and eSIM setup problems
- Slow or scripted replies on unresolved technical issues
- New numbers that get spam calls or can't receive verification codes
- Weak coverage in areas T-Mobile doesn't serve well
International calls and roaming
Plans that include minutes come with free calls to more than 60 countries, including Canada, Mexico and India. For other countries you can buy Pay As You Go credit. Tello’s home page also advertised free roaming in Europe, valid until January 31, 2027; check the list of destinations before you travel.
Tello Mobile complaints
Most reviews are positive, but the complaints repeat: trouble activating an eSIM or SIM, scripted replies when a technical problem isn’t solved, and new phone numbers that get spam calls or can’t receive verification texts because they were used before. A smaller group reports weak signal, which usually reflects T-Mobile’s coverage in that area.
To avoid problems, check T-Mobile coverage at your address first, keep your old line active until your number transfer finishes, and if your new number gets spam or blocked codes, ask support for a different number early.
Who should look elsewhere
If Verizon or AT&T covers you better, Visible or US Mobile cost about the same for unlimited and include taxes. If you regularly use more than 50GB a month, the unlimited plan will slow you down. And if T-Mobile is weak at home or work, no Tello plan will fix that.
Alternatives to Tello
- Visible Same $25 unlimited price with taxes included, if Verizon covers your area better than T-Mobile. Read review
- Mint Mobile Also on T-Mobile, with cheaper small plans if you can prepay a year. Read review
- US Mobile Lets you pick Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T and includes taxes, with a $10 2GB plan. Read review
- Tello's $5 custom plan If you mostly use Wi-Fi and want to keep a number active, Tello's own minimum plan is one of the cheapest ways to do it.
Tello reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What network does Tello use?
Tello runs on T-Mobile's network, including 5G where T-Mobile has it. Check T-Mobile's coverage map for your address before you switch.
How much is Tello unlimited?
$25 a month, with unlimited talk and text, 50GB of high-speed data and 10GB of hotspot. Taxes and a cost recovery fee of up to 30 cents are extra.
What is Tello's cheapest plan?
Custom plans start at $5 a month. The cheapest set plan with unlimited talk and text is 2GB for $10.
Does Tello charge taxes and fees?
Yes. Tello adds government taxes, which depend on where you live, plus a cost recovery fee that tops out at 30 cents. It charges no activation or early termination fee.
Is Tello owned by T-Mobile?
No. Tello is an independent company owned by KeepCalling that rents capacity on T-Mobile's network.
Does Tello have hotspot?
Yes, on every plan. The unlimited plan includes 10GB of hotspot, and smaller plans can use their full data allowance as hotspot.
Does Tello support eSIM?
Yes. You can activate with an eSIM or a physical SIM card. eSIM setup problems are a common theme in negative reviews, so keep your old line active until the switch is done.
Can I keep my number with Tello?
Yes. You can transfer your number from your current carrier during activation. Your old account must stay active until the transfer completes.
Does Tello work internationally?
Plans with minutes include free calls to 60+ countries, and Tello advertised free roaming in Europe through January 31, 2027. Check the current destination list before you travel.
How do I contact Tello?
Dial 611 from your Tello phone, call +1-866-377-0294 or email [email protected]. Tello also offers a 24/7 AI chat on its site.
Sources (6)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Tello: Build your own plan and FCC broadband labels (archived July 27, 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Tello: Home page (archived October 6, 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Tello, LLC profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Tello Mobile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Tello reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Apple App Store: My Tello (accessed October 12, 2026)
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