When it comes to cutting out expenses, every dollar counts. Making sure you have the right plan that fits your budget is important, since you likely won’t be doing away with your cell phone anytime soon.

Don’t have to overpay for coverage—today, there are so many providers who have a plan that meets your needs. If you are considering budget-friendly carriers, Tello is an option that might work.

Let’s explore what Tello has to offer.

What Is Tello?

Tello is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). With that, it runs on a larger company’s network.

When the parent company of Tello, KeepCalling, launched in 2002, the company used Sprint’s wireless network. But after a rebrand and a new partnership in 2016, this Atlanta-based company now runs its service through T-Mobile’s network.

What Does It Offer?

Tello users can find low-cost cell phone plan options. According to the company, you can expect to find plenty of different plan options and savings opportunities to suit your budget.

Mobile Plans

Tello gives you the option to build your own plan, with a customized amount of data, minutes, and texting. But it also offers four pre-made plans that might suit your needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the four pre-made plans:

As you explore your options, the big range of price points can help you find the right fit. For example, getting a plan with just 100 minutes, no data, and unlimited text would cost you $5 per month. The minutes on these plans can be used for calls to over 60 countries.

Coverage

Before signing up for this affordable cell phone plan, you can check your coverage. Tello offers a free tool to check coverage by address. Make sure to test out several locations you regularly frequent, like your home, office, and anywhere else you visit often.

Unfortunately, you won’t have the option to test drive the coverage until you make the switch.

Compatible Phones

If you already have a phone that you like, you might be able to bring it with you. Check out your phone’s compatibility through the compatibility checker.

However, you don’t have to bring your own phone. Tello also gives you a chance to purchase phones through the company. Most of the available options are refurbished phones, which come with a more affordable price tag.

Easy Billing

Are There Any Fees?

With Tello, you can customize your plan to suit your budget. For example, the most affordable plan starts at $5 per month.

Keep in mind that taxes aren’t included in the upfront cost. Depending on your location, taxes could add quite a bit to your total.

How Do I Contact Tello?

If you need to get in touch with Tello, you have many options. You can send an email, live chat on the website, call +1-866-377-0294, or dial 611 from your Tello phone.

Tello has earned 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with over 9,000 reviewers. With that, you should expect a good experience with the company.

How Does Tello Compare?

Tello is one of many companies offering affordable cell phone plans.

In terms of price points, Tello offers some of the lowest options. While you won’t get too much from the $5 per month plan, it might be all that you need to get by.

Another option is Republic Wireless, which comes with a hybrid system of WiFi and cell service to stretch out your coverage. Plans start at $15 per month.

How Do I Open An Account?

Want to work with Tello? The first step is to determine whether you are bringing your phone with you or getting a new phone.

If you are bringing your phone, start by confirming it is compatible with Tello’s network. The compatibility checker will ask for your phone’s IMEI, which might be in the settings area of your phone.

Once you’ve confirmed your phone is compatible, you can select a plan that suits your needs. From there, Tello will ask for your billing information. The company sends you a Tello SIM, which you must activate to use the service. You can activate the SIM by entering the nine-digit code on the back of the card on Tello’s website.

After the SIM is activated, you can start using the phone on Tello’s network.

Is It Safe And Secure?

Since you’ll be in physical possession of your phone, you are responsible for keeping it safe. According to the company’s privacy policy, it will not share your information with third parties. But if you have questions about keeping your information safe, you can contact Tello at [email protected].

Is It Worth It?

Tello offers worthwhile cell phone plans at affordable price points. Its high customer service ratings are a good omen for future customers. But the lack of an opportunity to test out your service before committing is a potential hurdle.

If you don’t want to keep paying more to work with a major carrier, then switching to a budget-friendly cell phone service might be the right move.

Tello Features