Question 1

How can I get started with Tello?

Accepted Answer

To get started, simply click here to join Tello.
Once you arrive on that start page, we check your coverage and you choose your Plan.

Then you either shop for a Tello Phone or Bring Your Own Phone, where you have the option to purchase a Tello GSM SIM. Once you select the option you'd like, you will be guided through the easy purchase process and then, when your package arrives, guided through activation.

For security reasons, opening an online account can only be done by the customers themselves. Our Support team does not create accounts or place orders for customers and we do not have any physical stores.

Payment can be made with most credit/debit cards & PayPal. We do not accept checks, bank transfers, Venmo or other payment methods. Tello is a contract-free service and our checkout page shows you the full purchase price (with tax) before you proceed to finalize an order.

Tello only uses GSM for our new customers.
Therefore you need an unlocked GSM-compatible phone & a Tello GSM SIM to join Tello.
When you purchase a Tello GSM SIM, you receive a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes mini (2FF), micro (3FF), and nano (4FF) sizes to fit any type of compatible phone.

Once you successfully activate your Tello SIM in your online account, you will then have the option to port in your own phone number.

Note:
Tello does not participate in the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) / Lifeline program at this time.

Question 2

Which network do you run on?

Accepted Answer

We run on America's largest, fastest, and most reliable network.

While the agreement with our partner doesn't permit us to publicly use their name in our marketing efforts, a quick online search will probably provide you with the answer you are looking for.

Question 3

How do I know if Tello will work for me?

Accepted Answer

There are a few easy ways to check if Tello is the perfect fit for you:

Check the coverage map to verify the service in your area.
Please be aware that outside factors like terrain, building structures, weather, and other conditions may also interfere with the actual service available.
When you intend to travel out from your regular location, consult the coverage map again to check for service in the areas to which you will travel.
If you are bringing your own phone, make sure your device is compatible with Tello. It must be GSM, VoLTE, use our Bring Your Own Phone checker to confirm.
If you are bringing your own phone, make sure your device is unlocked.
You need to check this with your current provider. Tello cannot check the locked status or unlock any locked devices.

Question 4

How do I know if I have coverage in my area?

Accepted Answer

Check our GSM Coverage Map to verify service in your area.
The icons in green will show the expected coverage in that location (outdoors, indoor residential, etc.) for certain device types.

Enter multiple addresses/ZIP codes to check all the areas where you live work and play.
If you intend to travel, you should check the destination coverage before setting off.

Although we provide Wi-Fi Calling & Text for areas with poor coverage (and overseas), you will still need good coverage so as to get the service activated initially.

Question 5

How can I order a Tello GSM SIM card for a NEW line?

Accepted Answer

To purchase a Tello GSM SIM card, you first need to confirm device compatibility through our device checker page.
This checker cannot check if your device is unlocked so you will need to confirm that with your previous provider or the device seller.

When you see the "Awesome" message click "Continue"
On the Checkout Page click "Buy SIM"
Assuming the SIM is for a new line, select NEW LINE from the dropdown menu
Fill in any other required fields and "Finalize Order."

When you purchase a Tello GSM SIM, you receive a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes mini (2FF), micro (3FF), and nano (4FF) sizes to fit any type of compatible phone.
You receive 1 SIM card and that 1 SIM card contains the three different sized punch-out SIM options.

When the new Tello GSM SIM card arrives, first activate the service in your online account, insert the new SIM, follow the on-screen prompts & start using the service.

Tello Phone Number & Porting
Every SIM delivery for a new line generates a new Tello phone number once activated. You will see a new Tello phone number in your online account when the activation process is completed.
You will not be able to port in a new number (to replace that Tello number) until you have successfully activated that SIM in your online account.
Only after you have successfully activated the SIM in your online account, you can port in your own number to us by submitting a port-in request
The port-in form will only become available & visible after a successful SIM activation and it can only be done from your online account.

Tello CDMA SIMs and GSM SIMs from other providers will not work on the Tello GSM network.
Only a Tello GSM SIM will work.

Question 6

Do you offer Roaming?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently provide Roaming on our GSM network - either domestically or internationally.
However, we do have 2 great alternatives for calling and texting when you are traveling abroad or simply in an area of poor coverage at home.

Wi-Fi Calling & Text
This is a feature available on the vast majority of Tello GSM-compatible phones and you can check your phone settings to confirm.
It allows for calling & texting via the closest available Wi-Fi network which could be at a hotel, your office, at home, or even a Wi-Fi hotspot.

If you have set up Wi-Fi Calling & Text correctly, it does not use up data from your Tello data plan, it just uses minutes from your calling & text plan as normal. You can read more details about Wi-Fi Calling in our blog article.

"My Tello" App
You also have the option of using our free "My Tello" app to make calls through Wi-Fi.
You can not receive calls via the App and texting is also not available via the App - it is only to make calls.
The "My Tello" app is free to download for iOS and Android users.
When calling from the Tello app in the USA using your own Data plan, the costs are higher than if you were using the regular Tello calling service because the App uses your Data allowance.
On average, the app uses 1 MB/min. Therefore, please use the App over a Wi-Fi connection if possible.
To make a call, simply dial the destination number from the keypad (always include country code) or choose from your phone "Contacts" tab (ensure the number is in international format).

Canada & Mexico
Tello does not have a network in Canada or Mexico and so we do not offer full service in either of those 2 countries and there is no roaming available.
However, you can still use Tello to make & receive calls & texts from both Canada & Mexico (and any other country) by enabling the "Wi-Fi Calling & Text" feature on your device as described above.

Question 7

What kind of devices will work with Tello?

Accepted Answer

The Tello service can be used on unlocked & compatible smartphones and tablets.

iPads & Tablets
As long as the tablet is unlocked, VoLTE-capable and meets Tello's compatibility requirements, then the Tello service will work on your tablet.
Just bear in mind that if you want to use your tablet for calls, you will need a VoLTE (voice over LTE) app and a pair of headphones.
Calls and text messages from your tablet will be over a data connection or Wi-Fi, instead of our cellular network.
You may also have the option of setting up Wi-Fi Calling & Text on your tablet depending on the make & model of tablet.
The "My Tello" app can also be used on your tablet but remember that it is for making calls only - you cannot receive calls or send or receive text messages via this app.

Watches
At the moment, Apple Watches will not work with the Tello eSIM.
However, various other eSIM-compatible Smartwatches will work great with the Tello eSIM, for example, compatible Samsung Smartwatches.

Modems & Routers
Tello does not support the use of MiFi, netgear, modems or router devices.

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