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New GSM network, same unbeatable plans

Tello Before & After


What can Tello customers expect when we'll be switching to the new network?

CDMA Network
New GSM Network
Current customers
Until migration is completed
After migration
New customers
SIM card
existing CDMA SIM
new Tello GSM SIM
Compatible phones
CDMA
GSM VoLTE
Same affordable phones
No contract
Free hotspot
Family Plans
Human Customer Support

I’m already a Tello customer, what does this mean for me?

Nationwide Coverage
Improved coverage, faster data speeds, and a super-stable network with the SAME plans and pricing
No Ring Time Charges
Customers will be able to switch starting early 2021, they will receive notifications in My account and via email.
Any Device
Older CDMA phones will work up until at least mid-2021, and we will enable a gradual switch with lots of opportunities to change trains
New Phone
To best use the new GSM network, your phone needs to have, as minimum requirements LTE frequency bands 2, 4, 12 + VoLTE

Is my phone compatible with the new GSM network?

Dial *#06# on your phone and you'll receive your phone's IMEI code

Don't have the IMEI at hand? Check Tello requirements.

You can bring your own number after the service has been activated in your online account.

Also, see the coverage in your area


Check coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are new to Tello, you'll need to open a free account, build your own plan or buy Pay As You Go credit. Next, you’ll need to decide if you want to bring your own phone into Tello or buy a new one. Once your service is activated you can start making calls, texting or surfing the web.
  • Existing customers will be prompted via email & account alerts when their line is ready to migrate.
    We recommend that you prepare for migration by checking your current device for GSM device compatibility and check your location for GSM coverage.
    If both of those pass the checks then all you will need to do is order the free Tello GSM SIM when prompted to do so in your online account.
  • Nothing will change, except for a better-improved coverage offered by the 5G GSM network. Your plan's price, balance, phone number, or billing date are in no way affected by the migration. You will be able to enjoy the same super affordable phone plans & great Tello service.
  • All Tello Phones are compatible with the new Tello GSM network.
    If you buy a phone from us it comes with a Tello GSM SIM so no need to buy a new one.
  • Your phone will still work on Tello if it's a GSM VoLTE compatible device. A big chunk of our customer base already have devices that will be compatible with the new GSM network. You can easily check if your phone is compatible by entering your phone's IMEI code here.
  • You need to have a GSM SIM card in order to access the Tello network, to be able to place, receive calls & texts. The GSM SIM needs to be placed in the slot of your GSM device. You can purchase a GSM SIM card directly from us.

Have more questions?

We've got answers!
Visit our Help Center
See what our customers have to say:
4 out of 5 ★
May 10
Ordering and Follow-Up Proc...
Ordering was easy but the "free SIM card" as stated on the "Phones" page with the pur...

Ordering and Follow-Up Process

Ordering was easy but the "free SIM card" as stated on the "Phones" page with the purchase of a new phone, became questionable. I was unsure whether one needed a SIM in both (new and old) devices in order to port one's number and data between the two, leaving me to believe that two SIMs weren't a problem. When I didn't get a free one with my new phone, I did everything manually in order to activate it. The Tello emails with directions that I received were somewhat confusing because they were inaccurate. Also, Tello uses the word "line" and I wasn't sure if that meant a "new number" or new service or plan? Anyway, I extracted my SIM card from my old iPhone and inserted it into my new iPhone and finally got it activated after some frustration. I sent this info via email to Tello Customer Service (TCS) and immediately received several positive responses. The info received back from TCS should be placed under a "Contact Us" banner on Tello's main website page. One of the frustrations by friends of mine that use Tello is the difficulty of being able to physically speak to a Tello rep instead of responding to an automated phone system. A HITL (Human in the Loop) is ALWAYS a good business practice vs AI or any other digital-only business practice. Thank you and have a great day!
Jim B
5 out of 5 ★
May 09
Better than Google
The customer service rep that stayed on the phone with me for like an hour was the be...

Better than Google

The customer service rep that stayed on the phone with me for like an hour was the best and extremely patient. I was trying to add an esim to a Google Pixel 3 watch and having issues is why I called. Long story short, it didn't happen and thru no fault of the rep. I called Google next and guess what? They couldn't figure it out either. Pretty sad. I returned the watch yesterday and have a Galaxy watch coming today.
Greg Whaley
5 out of 5 ★
May 03
Top notch!
Tello has been my carrier for years. They have the best price around combined with p...

Top notch!

Tello has been my carrier for years. They have the best price around combined with problem free service!
Todd L.