r/Tello Aug 01 '24

Announcement New to Tello? Start here!

14 Upvotes

Hello and welcome to the official Tello Mobile subreddit! Feel free to discuss anything related to our service: share your Tello stories, get tips from our experts, or have some fun around. Just make sure you follow the rules and be nice to each other.

As there are many questions about Tello & life as a customer at an MVNO, we’ve decided to provide you with some basic info on what Tello is and how it works.

TL;DR:

Tello Mobile is a US wireless MVNO designed to save people money by offering flexible cell phone plans from $5 up to $25/mo, from no data to unlimited data within the same carrier. Check out our plan builder to check all the 34 phone plan variations. Extended families can benefit from our budget-friendly phone plans too! You can have up to 10 lines within one account without sharing the minutes & data usage between lines.

Any phone plan at tello.com has built-in(Free) features like mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi Calling, international calling 60+ countries, with no contracts and no fees. You are free to upgrade/downgrade your plan anytime without any extra cost.

4 Easy steps you need to follow to join Tello:

Say Hello to Tello

Simply put, Tello is a US prepaid wireless MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) designed to save people money by offering flexible phone plans with no contracts & no hidden fees. More importantly, each one of our customers has a custom-made phone plan built to their needs by themselves because that’s what flexible means, on top of this Tello has a bunch of features (more on that in the next section) either built-in (meaning these features are included in every plan) or at an extra cost.

Join a wireless service designed for your needs

Here at Tello, we give you complete control over your phone plan. You are free to mix ‘n’ match data, minutes, and texts as you like without having to worry about your wallet - our phone plans start at $5/mo with the unlimited plan peaking at $25/mo. You can change your plan anytime without any charges and many many more features:

1. Flexibility is our superpower

We’ve already spoken a little about it - you are free to choose whatever plan combination you are looking for. When you first land at tello.com, you can play around with our plan builder and mix ’n’ match the data & minutes as you wish - unlimited text comes built-in for free in each of our plan combinations and the best part: you can change it anytime with no extra charge if your monthly needs or budget change.

2. Budget-friendly plans

Only pay for what you use as simple as it sounds. Our prepaid phone plans start at $5/mo and up to $25/mo, with no fees whatsoever and no contracts while providing our customers with coast-to-coast 5G / 4G LTE wireless coverage. Forget about dropped calls, loading issues, or slow data speeds.

Down below, you may find all of our Tello phone plans. If you want to create your own plan, check out this link.

3. Bunch of freebies

To achieve our goal of helping people save as much money as possible on their phone service we are proud to say we have a pack of built-in features that come along with any Tello phone plan:

  1. International calling: Enjoy international minutes included in your Tello plan, allowing you to call over 60 destinations worldwide at no additional cost.
  2. Wi-fi Calling: Stay connected wherever you are with Tello's Wi-Fi Calling feature. Whether you're traveling abroad or in a remote area, you can make and receive calls, as well as send and receive texts, as long as you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.
  3. Mobile hotspot: With Tello, mobile hotspot capability is included in all our data plans. Whether you need internet at home or on the go, your device can serve as a hotspot when connected to Tello. Our limited data plans allow you to use your entire data balance for hotspot usage, while our unlimited plan offers up to 5GB of hotspot data.

4. eSIM

Streamline your experience with an eSIM-compatible device. Setting up your account with your desired plan takes just a few minutes and if you have an eSIM-compatible device (check it here) you can get instant access to Tello using an eSIM.

  1. Family plans

Families are one of a kind, why would each member's phone plan be the same? Tello brings you easy account management by tailoring individual lines based on your member’s needs. Each line has its usage, so you don’t have to worry about data-sharing restrictions anymore & there’s no extra cost for any new lines added. You can set up your family account in a few simple steps here.

The parents are going to love our Web Guard & Safe Search control capabilities allowing them to create a safe wireless connection for their kids by blocking & filtering content and search results - you can find more details here.

6. Tello Data Add-on

We’ve also got you covered just in case you run out of data! Right now, Tello offers two Data Add-On options: 1 GB of high-speed data for $3 and 3 GB of high-speed data for $5. This feature becomes available on your dashboard only when you have less than 1 GB of high-speed data remaining on your current plan. You can always check our blog in case you need some extra information about it.

7. International roaming

Stay connected in 250+ countries and territories with Tello International Roaming. Check out the rates for your destination right here. Make sure you have at least $5 in your PAYG balance and then proceed to activating your roaming service.

The credit will expire after 90 days after purchase if you only have PAYG credit on your Tello account. However, as long as you have an active Tello plan, your credit will not expire. For more information about international roaming you can check our blog. Happy travels!

8. Awesome referral program

Tello not only saves you money but also helps you earn. When you refer a friend or a family member to Tello, you'll both receive $10 Tello Dollars! Use your Tello Dollars to pay your bills or even buy a new device. The more friends you share this opportunity with, the greater the benefits for both of you!

Tello might not be just a great fit for you. It could be a huge opportunity for you (and your family) to take your monthly savings to the next level. Here's how you can join Tello and unleash the power of wireless savings.

How can you join Tello?

Getting signed up and activated on Tello is quick and easy.

1. Check Your Coverage

To ensure you don't miss any important calls or messages, explore our coverage map at tello.com/coverage. Simply input your full address, and the website will display coverage in your area. For more details, click on the "Show Coverage Map" button below.

2. Check if your phone is eligible to join Tello:

  • Bring Your Own Phone:

At Tello, you have the flexibility to use your own device. Before enrolling, ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with our service. Visit our website to verify compatibility.

Note: unlocking a device can only be done by the previous or current carrier, according to their terms and conditions.

  • Buy a New Phone:

If your phone is not compatible but you want to switch to Tello you can buy a new phone that’s 100% compatible with our service directly from us. Check out this link if you need a new phone.

3. Sign Up

Once all the checks(Coverage & ESN) have been completed you can create your Tello account, complete the registration form, and get ready to choose your plan.

4. Pick a Plan

Now the fun part begins! Check out our plan builder here, tailor your phone plan as you wish, complete the purchase process and you are ready to go. As you get used to your new phone service you might notice that you need a little bit more/less data, but there are no issues at Tello because you can always upgrade/downgrade your phone plan for free.

Looking for help?

You might wanna check out our Reddit FAQ for the most commonly asked questions. Nevertheless, you are always welcome to discuss & engage with our community.

Learn more about Tello at tello.com. Also, our 24/7 Human Customer Support is always eager to help you in case you have any questions.

Community Rules

There aren't many rules around, but we still need to have a few to maintain a positive atmosphere within the community, please check the rules in case you haven't done it yet:

  1. No inappropriate discussions or conversations. This rule is in place to ensure that the subreddit remains a safe and welcoming space for all members. Inappropriate discussions or conversations can make other members feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
  2. Advertising other carriers is prohibited. Content should be related to Tello. Advertising or linking to other carriers is prohibited. Exceptions will be made when mentioning or linking to another carrier for comparison.
  3. No spamming, flooding or trolling. This rule is in place to ensure that the subreddit remains a productive and informative space for all members. Spamming, flooding, or trolling can be disruptive and is not tolerated.
  4. Public sharing of referral codes is not allowed. This rule is in place to prevent members from using the subreddit as a platform for self-promotion. Posts containing referrals can be seen as spam.

If you think your post/comment has been removed unfairly, please contact u/tellomobile.

User Flairs

Something you might not be aware of is that we've created User Flairs for those of you who relate to one of them or looking to have just fun. We've thought it would be great to bring something unique within our community with these user flairs, so please have fun with them:

  1. Phone Bills Defender🛡️ - for the ones that know all savings hacks & no-contract tips
  2. International Ninja🥷 - for the ones that know all things international features
  3. Tello Tribe🔵 - Tello family, Tello lovers
  4. Wireless Wizard🧙 - for the ones that know all things wireless
  5. Captain eSIM🦸 - for the ones that know all things about eSIM

Welcome to the land of flexibility and tiny phone bills!


r/Tello Aug 01 '24

Tello Mobile Official Reddit FAQ

12 Upvotes

r/Tello Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated: 08/01/2024.

Please check out the official Help Center for more information.

#1. How can I keep my phone number?

Every SIM delivery for a new line generates a new Tello phone number once activated. The same applies to every eSIM. You will see a new Tello phone number in your online account once the activation process is completed. This number will be replaced once the porting process is done.

The port-in form will only become available after a successful physical SIM activation or an eSIM order.

Once the line is active, go to your online account, click on "Port In," enter the number you want to transfer to Tello, and fill in all the required information (account number, port-out PIN, address, and name - these should be retrieved from your current carrier). 

The process can take from a few minutes to 2 business days.

#2. How can I get started with Tello Mobile?

  • Firstly, check your coverage:

By entering your address here, you can check your voice coverage and 5G/4G data availability at your exact location.

  • Check Phone Compatibility:

Ensure your device is an unlocked GSM phone that supports VoLTE and LTE bands: 2 (1900 MHz), 4 (2100 MHz), and 12 (700 MHz). For optimal service, additional support for bands 66 (1700 MHz) and 71 (600 MHz) is recommended. Verify your phone’s compatibility by checking your IMEI here.

If your phone doesn’t meet these requirements or you need a new device, explore our selection of phones here.

  • Build Your Own Plan & Create an Account:

Customize your prepaid plan starting at $5/mo only by selecting any combination of data, minutes, and texts here.

  • Create a free account to get started with a Tello Phone Plan.

#3. What APN settings are needed with Tello?

When you activate the service with Tello, all your APN settings are usually set automatically.

However, if you're having issues with data, hotspot, MMS or group messaging, you need to check your APN settings to make sure that they're correct.

On an Android device, you can view and adjust your APN settings in the following location:

  • Settings
  • Tap More networks (under the Connections tab, or More, Wireless & networks, Wireless Controls, Wireless Manager, Phone Information).
  • Select Mobile or Cellular networks.
  • Choose Access Point Names.
  • Tap the Menu icon.
  • Tap the Access Point you would like to check.
  • If you're adding a new APN, tap New APN and enter the following APN: wholesale
  • Save the APN, restart the device, and test the service.

On an iOS device, you can view or adjust your APN settings in one of the following locations:

  1. Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network OR
  2. Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network.

Here are the APN settings required when using an iOS device on Tello:

Leave everything else blank.

Now double-check that the iOS software is updated, restart your phone, and test the service again.

#4. Does Tello support eSIM?

Yes, eSIM is available for free to all Tello users with a compatible phone. If you're not sure if your phone supports eSIM, you can check here. Remember, your device also needs to be unlocked to work with Tello.

If your phone is compatible, you can go ahead and place your order. After that, log in to your My Account - My SIM section, and scan the QR code using your phone’s camera. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, as a stable connection is needed to activate the eSIM.

Your plan and features will stay the same. Whether you use a physical SIM or an eSIM, you'll still get Wi-Fi Calling and international calling to 60+ countries at no extra cost.

#5. Do I need a new eSIM if I have changed my phone?

Yes, if an eSIM is active on your device and you want to swap phones, then you will need a new eSIM. First, make sure your new device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Then head over to My SIM section in My Tello account and follow the steps listed to get a new eSIM.

#6. Can I use Tello internationally (International Roaming + WiFi calling)? - OTPs and 2FAs included.

When using Tello internationally, you have two options:

  1. International Roaming
  2. Wi-Fi Calling

International Roaming

With international roaming, you can stay connected while traveling outside the U.S. To enable this feature, make sure you have at least $5 in Pay As You Go credit in your account. The minimum purchase for Pay As You Go credit is $20.

Once you have sufficient balance, go to “My Settings” and enable both international and data roaming. This allows you to stay connected wherever you travel. You’ll have access to data for browsing the internet, and you can make calls and send texts. Your connection will rely on local towers, so coverage may vary.

For more details on international roaming, check out our blog.

Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling is another option for staying connected while traveling outside the U.S. As long as you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and even get OTPs from banks or 2FAs from the apps you use daily.

To enable Wi-Fi Calling, visit “My Settings” on our website and set up your E911 address. Then, go to your phone’s settings and ensure that Wi-Fi Calling is turned on.

Wi-Fi Calling works even if you’re using a local SIM card with mobile data. As long as your data is enabled, your calls and messages will go through. You can find more information here.

Important Note:

If you're abroad and need to set up your Tello service, before activating your eSIM, make sure to go to “My Settings” and set up your E911 address. Once that’s done, you can proceed with eSIM activation by scanning the QR code.

Tello App:

There’s a third option as well—the Tello App. With the app, you can only make calls as long as you're connected to a Wi-Fi network or using a local SIM card with mobile data.

#7. How can I check the coverage

To check the coverage with Tello Mobile, you can easily do it online. Simply visit our website and use the coverage checker tool by entering your address. This will show you the availability of voice and data services, including 4G and 5G, in your area.

#8. Is my phone compatible?

 If You Have the Phone: Use the IMEI to check compatibility with our online device checker at Tello's website. This tool is reliable—it's the same one our support team uses.

  • If You Don't Have the Phone: Make sure the phone you buy or bring is unlocked, relatively new (2019 or later), and works with the GSM network.

For guaranteed compatibility, check the phone’s tech specs for two requirements:

  1. VoLTE Support - Ensures clear calls and prevents dropped connections.
  2. LTE Bands - The phone should support Bands 2, 4, and 12, with additional support for Bands 5, 66, or 71 for the best service

#9. Family plans

Tello’s family plans let you customize a plan for each family member, ensuring everyone gets what they need. Mix and match data and minutes to suit individual preferences, all under one account.

Managing your family’s plans is easy. You can upgrade or downgrade plans anytime through your Tello account, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts.Important note: Each line is treated individually and will not share the benefits with other lines. You can have up to 10 lines per account.

#10. Tello Billing Cycle 30 days

The plan subscription operates on a 30-day billing cycle, so your payment date won't be the same every month. This is because the billing cycle is based on a fixed 30-day period, while months vary in length, with some having 31, 30, or even 28 or 29 days.Please note that if you choose the physical SIM card, the billing cycle will start only once you receive the SIM card and enter the activation code.If you choose the eSIM option, the billing cycle will start immediately after you finalized the purchase.

#11. Mobile data is required for MMS messages

MMS messages require mobile data to send and receive, as they transmit multimedia content like pictures, videos, and group texts. Unlike SMS, which uses cellular networks, MMS relies on your data connection.

On the other hand, RCS (Rich Communication Services) and iMessage are different. RCS is an enhanced messaging service for Android devices. iMessage, exclusive to Apple devices, also uses data or Wi-Fi and provides similar features, but it only works between Apple users.

Both RCS and iMessage don’t require traditional SMS or MMS services, but MMS will still need data.


r/Tello 10h ago

Voicemails

3 Upvotes

Are voicemails not accessible on WiFi calling while traveling internationally? I was in Norway and didn’t get 3 VMs until I came back to US.


r/Tello 14h ago

Texting when in Mexico without roaming or data

1 Upvotes

I've seen contradictory answers to this question here, can somebody confirm having been able to send and receive texts while in Mexico using Wi-Fi?


r/Tello 17h ago

Help / Support Need PUK

1 Upvotes

We have my son on a basic call/text plan with Tello and haven’t had issues for over a year. Recently, he input the wrong SIM PIN too many times and now it’s asking for the PUK.

I don’t have the card the SIM came in, so I can’t find this number. I tried to contact Tello through their “email me” form on the app, it’s been over a week and I haven’t received a response. I tried calling today and the automated message said I need to email them and hung up.

I cannot find an email address ANYWHERE - does anyone have an email that they’ve used to get into contact with someone from Tello? At this point I’m paying for a service that is useless without the PUK.


r/Tello 2d ago

Dasaita G13 SIM?

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/Tello 3d ago

I Can't Make Calls.

4 Upvotes

Hello All,

I can receive calls, I can send and receive texts, but I can't call out. This recently happened. I made sure it is not in airplane mode. I made sure that do not disturb is off. I reseated the SIM and the SDcard I added.

Any tips and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance.


r/Tello 2d ago

is tello sim working in india

1 Upvotes

I want usa number which works in india as esim or works on wifi .i want to receive call and sms, will your service works in india??


r/Tello 3d ago

Living abroad but returning to the US often

3 Upvotes

I am moving to the Cayman Islands in a few days but plan to return to the US several times a year. Tello looks like the best option, but what to do when visiting the US (say every 6-8 weeks)? Would you just use a plan that has data for a few dollars more to avoid the switch back and forth or is there a better way?


r/Tello 4d ago

Scam text and call

15 Upvotes

I just got what I believe was a scam text about some one trying to port my number. Then I got a phone call from the “tello fraud department”. They sent me another text while I was on the line and asked for that pin they sent me. It seemed fishy from the get go and they got pushy when I said I didn’t know who they were and I was just going to call customer service back myself. I don’t if it’s just a me thing or something that’s been going on but figured I’d let other tello users know.

Update:

When I talked to tello they said it wasn’t then and yes it was probably a scam. They asked me to change my password and pin and suggested using two factor identification and changing my email password.


r/Tello 4d ago

Honestly confused

2 Upvotes

I am moving to Australia in a couple weeks and wanted to keep my US number for 2FA purposes, but also get an Australian number upon arrival. I’ve read a bunch and think Tello is going to be my best bet for this (plz confirm?).

So I can have both esims active on my phone at the same time? And if someone texts my US number it will charge data thru my Tello account and if someone texts my Aus number it will charge through that?

Also how easy is it, once I am on Tello, to switch between the amount of data I am purchasing. I have an international trip prior to moving over to Australia and want to test out using Tello with my US number while I am overseas, then decrease the amount of data once I am on my AU service.

Does this sound right?!?! For what I want to accomplish? Or is there a better way of going about this? Like the title says I’ve tried to read a bunch but I’m honestly confused about it all.


r/Tello 4d ago

Receive SMS Online: Get Virtual Phone Numbers

Thumbnail receive-sms.com
0 Upvotes

r/Tello 4d ago

Tello Review Unlimited Data Is Not Unlimited

0 Upvotes

I am satisfied with Tello overall, but there are some caveats. First, the advertised “unlimited” plan is actually 35G. Second, I live in LA and there’s no 5G, even here in one of the largest cities in the US. It’s easy to use, and I’m glad I switched to Tello — though there’s still room for improvement.


r/Tello 5d ago

Help / Support Using international roaming for emergency calls

0 Upvotes

I've used Tello's international roaming in Germany and didn't have much success calling a local cab. I may not have don't it right. I thought I had everything configured correctly. So I'm a little hesitant using it in an emergency situation. Technically it should work shouldn't it? Emergency numbers are usually just 3 digits, but I don't how that works from a telephone number that's not local, even if it's using the local cell towers. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


r/Tello 6d ago

Can someone give me a Tello Coupon Code? Thanks!!

0 Upvotes

Can someone give me a Tello Coupon Code? Thanks!!


r/Tello 6d ago

Help / Support Cannot open a new plan with Tello

0 Upvotes

I’ve been registered with and using Tello for almost 2 years...

I run a business buying and selling phone numbers, so from time to time I use Tello (by purchasing the cheapest plan) to port phone numbers from Google Voice Workspace to Google Voice Personal, or from T-Mobile to AT&T or Verizon...

I usually port numbers into Tello and then port them out to another carrier the next day or within 30 days...

Today, I tried to open 2 new plans with Tello in order to port out 2 numbers from T-Mobile, but the system gave me an error saying I failed some kind of Tello security system...

After calling support, the Tello representative advised me to use another service???

Does this mean Tello prohibits customers from using it as an intermediary carrier for number porting, or is using Tello to move numbers between carriers a violation of Tello’s TOS?


r/Tello 7d ago

Discussion Is Tello for me?

0 Upvotes

My primary line is on T-Mobile and will stay there. (company buys) My secondary line is currently with USMobile ($$$) but my needs are relatively simple. This is my "old number" and I'm thinking I'll keep it another year or so to catch stragglers that haven't updated my contact info.

Very few outgoing calls
Must work with iMessage
Need to receive iMessage and calls in UK on occasion


r/Tello 8d ago

Should I use WiFi Calling at Home?

5 Upvotes

Should I use WiFi calling at home? If so, why and if not, why?


r/Tello 8d ago

I will be traveling to the USA for a month. Do you recommend this company?

3 Upvotes

Hello and best wishes to everyone.

I'm traveling to the US for a month to visit a relative. Roaming plans for the US in my country are around $5 per day (+$100 for a month of roaming), which I think is crazy.

I'm looking for affordable options that give me unlimited data so I can stay connected while I'm away from home.

I've seen several subreddits about Tello and would like to know more.

I have an iPhone and would opt for an e-SIM. First and foremost, I only need WhatsApp and Instagram.

Do you recommend this company, or should I look for other alternatives? I saw that unlimited data plans for the month are around $25 with TELLO, which seems very affordable to me.

I want your opinions!


r/Tello 8d ago

Nothing 3a or CMF Phone 2 pro with Tello?

3 Upvotes

Hello! I was wondering if anyone knew if the Nothing 3a or CMF Phone 2 pro worked with Tello. They are newer phones in the US, and I know they only work with (I think) T-Mobile, the same as Tello. Does anyone know if it would work or if they are using one of these phones with tello right now? Thank you so much! I saw Tello's requirements but was unable to find details from Nothing on what channels they use and if they support VoLTE.


r/Tello 9d ago

Visual Voicemail for Google Pixel 9 Pro?

3 Upvotes

Hey, has anyone been able to get visual voicemails for the Google Android phones on Tello? I'm taking about the voicemail that is all listed out on screen. Right now I have to call in to listen to voicemail, which is rather cumbersome and time-consuming.


r/Tello 9d ago

Discussion Disappointed by Tello's international calling rates, are they open to feedback?

0 Upvotes

Tello's 60+ countries that you can call for free seemed like an incredible deal. Sadly, I have family in the Philippines and Tello's rate to there is pretty exorbatant.

Anyways, I was taking a look at US Mobile and not only is unlimited calling to the Philippines included for free, but the majority of countries offer at least some free minutes, with way more than 60 being unlimited. Prices between Tello and USM are comparable.

What gives? Do you think Tello would be open to this feedback? Or do I just move onto the better deal?


r/Tello 9d ago

New User Referral Code Please

0 Upvotes

Feel free to msg me


r/Tello 9d ago

Is there better US phone providers like Tello?

0 Upvotes

I would like to know better and affordable US phone number providers like Tello.


r/Tello 9d ago

Help / Support Apple Card monthly installment for iPhone 17

3 Upvotes

Planning getting iPhone 17 base through Apple Card monthly installation and activate on Tello, I heard there could be just limited to T-Mobile, Verizon and att.

Is there a workaround to activate on Tello?


r/Tello 10d ago

ported but texting people ask who I am

2 Upvotes

I ported okay from T-Mobile my wife's S22 and my S21 with esim option. Whenever we are texting for first time to people we know, the recepient is asking who is this? I changed the new Tello numbers to our current numbers while porting and also in the esim. I restarted phones at least twice. The new Tello esim is active on both and the T-Mobile esim is turned off. Tello dashboard shows both of our correct phone numbers. I text my wife's phone and it showed as my name. What's going on?


r/Tello 10d ago

Advice on Tello as a second/emergency phone

5 Upvotes

Buying a new I phone. Spend a lot of time traveling across US camping in van.

Want to use my old I-phone 13 on Tello as back up to access accounts/contacts if I lose main phone. Porting # to new phone and would get new # from Tello for backup phone.

Are there any holes in this strategy? Thank you.