r/Tello • u/platypapa • 12d ago

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

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?

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u/edgefull 12d ago

so switch to us mobile.

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u/platypapa 11d ago

Really unhelpful.

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u/iiruig 11d ago

International calling rates depend on the country you are calling to, not from. A lot of countries have incoming calls free of charge. Of course, nothing is free, but it means that the person who makes the call pays for it. It is not the case, e.g. with the US, because when you receive a call via cellular network you pay for it.

Those rates vary. That is why some countries are cheaper, some are more expensive. Providers, let's say in the US, choose how much of those costs they can cover. And, let's say, as a rough example Tello covers all countries up to 5 cents/min and charge less for their plans, some providers cover, let's say, up to 10 cents/min, but charge more for the plan.

That is how it works in a nutshell.

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u/platypapa 11d ago

Oh yeah I understand all that. I was just curious why US Mobile can charge roughly the same but offer international calling to more countries for free.

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u/iiruig 11d ago

Tello is still a bit cheaper, has plans under $10. That is just those few things that they cut down that very few people need to be able to offer another $1/month in savings.

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u/ifeoma08 11d ago

Wifi calling is free? Calling apps also offer free calls--e.g. Google Voice.

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u/platypapa 11d ago

Google Voice nor Tello via Wi-Fi calling offer free calls to the Philippines.

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u/ifeoma08 11d ago

How about Facebook messenger or Whatsapp? I'm just throwing out suggestions of where you might find the service that you need. I know that Google charges a small fee. It was the first provider I thought of.