Tello has become a popular option for shoppers seeking affordable phone service without the long-term contracts and high monthly bills. The prepaid wireless provider operates on T-Mobile’s 5G network and is best known for its flexible, build-your-own plans that let customers customize how much data and talk they actually need each month. I’ve broken down Tello’s plans and offerings below.
One of Tello’s biggest selling points is its flexibility. Plans start at just a few dollars per month, and customers can mix and match data and talk options, upgrade or downgrade at any time, and avoid contracts or hidden fees. The service also supports both physical SIM cards and eSIM activation, making it especially appealing for travelers, students, light phone users, and people bringing their own devices.
Beyond low prices, Tello appeals to shoppers who want a simpler alternative to traditional wireless carriers. The company offers features such as mobile hotspot access, WiFi calling, international roaming, and customizable prepaid options, all without requiring an annual commitment. Below, we break down Tello’s current plans and pricing to help you decide whether it’s worth switching to the service.
Tello mobile plans and prices
Tello’s plan builder is built around flexibility: you can choose how much data and talk you need, switch plans anytime, and keep unlimited text on every plan. The custom setup starts at a minimum plan value of $5 and gives you options like no data, 2GB, 10GB, 20GB, or unlimited data, plus no minutes, 300 minutes with free text, or unlimited minutes with free text.
*Unlimited plans will see a reduction in speeds after exceeding 50GB of data usage.
The Starter plan is the light-use option for people who mainly want inexpensive service and do not need much data. It includes 2 GB of data plus unlimited talk and text for $10 per month, with no contract and no early termination fee, so it makes the most sense for light users who mostly rely on WiFi and only need basic calling, texting, and a small data cushion.
The Everyday plan is the better fit for most people who use their phone regularly but are not burning through data all day. It comes with 10GB of data plus unlimited talk and text, priced at $10 per month for the first three months and $15 after that, which makes it a strong middle-ground option for commuters, casual streamers, and anyone who wants room to browse, scroll, and use apps without jumping to a bigger plan.
The Power plan is aimed at heavier everyday users who need more breathing room for streaming, hotspot use, or lots of app activity. It includes 20GB of data with unlimited talk and text for $10 per month for the first three months, then $20 after that, so it works well for people who go through a lot more data but still do not need truly unlimited service.
At the top end, the Max plan is Tello’s unlimited option for people who do not want to worry about hitting a data cap. It includes unlimited data, plus unlimited talk and text, for $10 per month for the first three months, then $25 per month after that, making it the best fit for heavy streamers, frequent hotspot users, and anyone who wants the simplest possible setup. Tello also says new-line pricing is introductory for three months, with no yearly contract.
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Tello Pay As You Go
Tello’s Pay As You Go feature is designed for people who don’t want a traditional monthly phone plan and only need occasional service. Instead of paying a fixed monthly rate for a bundle of data, talk, and text, customers preload a small amount of credit and use it only when they make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. It’s a flexible option for light phone users, backup phones, travelers, seniors, kids, or anyone who mainly relies on WiFi and wants to keep wireless costs extremely low.
The service works more like a prepaid wallet than a standard wireless plan. Customers purchase Pay As You Go credit in advance, and usage is deducted based on fixed per-use rates. Tello currently charges small amounts per minute, text, and megabyte of data, so the total cost depends entirely on how much service you actually use. Because there are no contracts or annual commitments, users can refill their balance whenever needed and avoid paying for unlimited data or talk they may never use.
Tello promotions and deals
In case you need more than 2GB a month, a cap that most smartphone users may struggle with, Tello offers all of its plans at the starting price of $10 a month for the first three months. That brings all options down to the same cost as the Starter tier, making it easy to test your needs before limiting your data usage.
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Tello FAQs
What network does Tello use?
Though it’s not owned by T-Mobile, Tello uses T-Mobile’s towers to provide service to its customers. If you have experience with the larger carrier in your area, you can expect similar coverage from T-Mobile and Tello, though with different data prioritization. You can also check your coverage here.
Is Tello good?
Tello is an excellent choice for the especially budget-conscious shopper, travelers, and the like. It’s barebones, but many users won’t need the extra bells and whistles of pricier MVNOs. You can customize your plan to provide for your exact needs while keeping costs low. Its reliable and affordable coverage makes it the budget pick in our guide to the best cell phone plans for two.
Learn more in our Tello review.
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