Tello Coverage Map (2025)

Tello is a small carrier, or MVNO, that makes use of T-Mobile’s national system of networks and towers to provide coverage to its customers. 

That means that Tello subscribers can mostly enjoy the same great national 4G and 5G coverage that regular T-Mobile subscribers do. By the numbers, T-Mobile offers the most 5G in the country, spanning across 36% of its total area. 

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Tello’s coverage map, and explain how it compares to other MVNOs like Cricket Wireless and Visible.

Tello Coverage Map

Tello operates on T-Mobile’s powerful national network, leveraging its wide-ranging 4G and 5G footprint. This makes Tello an appealing option if you’re looking for a cheap plan that comes backed with solid nationwide service. 

One caveat to be aware of: T-Mobile tends to prioritize its own customers over MVNO subscribers during times of network congestion. If the network is especially busy, Tello customers may experience slightly slower speeds compared to T-Mobile’s primary users.

Tello 4G LTE Coverage

Tello’s 4G LTE network, by way of T-Mobile, covers 43% of the country. While that’s less than what’s offered from AT&T-backed MVNOs like Cricket (58%) and Verizon-backed MVNOs like Visible (56%), rest assured that most of America’s cities, suburbs, and towns are well covered. 

Tello 5G Coverage

Tello customers can take advantage of T-Mobile’s robust 5G coverage, which spans 36% of the country—more than any other carrier. 

Plus, T-Mobile is actively expanding its 5G network reach every day, which is good news for Tello subscribers. After all, wherever there’s a T-Mobile 5G signal, there’s a Tello 5G signal as well. 

Tello Coverage vs. Other Carriers

Tello is one of the many prepaid brands that operates aboard a larger carrier’s network. That begs the question: How does Tello’s coverage stack up against some of its fellow MVNOs?

The handy chart should help answer that question. We’ve listed Tello’s national coverage percentages next to those of the AT&T-backed Cricket Wireless and the Verizon-backed Visible. 

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Tello subscribers enjoy better 5G coverage than both Cricket and Visible, but less overall 4G coverage. If you’re looking to access the fastest network speeds in more places than these other brands, going with Tello is a wise move indeed. 

Tello Cell Phone Plans

Tello offers flexible prepaid plans that allow customers to customize their service based on their needs. Some popular options include:

• Tello Value: Priced at $10/month, this plan includes 2GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and mobile hotspot capability.
• Tello Smart: At $14/month, this plan offers 5GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and mobile hotspot capability.
• Tello Unlimited: For $25/month, this plan provides unlimited data (with speeds slowed after 35GB), unlimited talk and text, and mobile hotspot capability.

Want to see how Tello cell phone plans stack up against the competition? Select from the list of carriers below to get matched to the best plans that meet your needs from other top providers.

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The Bottom Line

Tello operates on T-Mobile’s robust nationwide network, making it an excellent option for those seeking an affordable prepaid carrier with reliable coverage. As T-Mobile boasts the most extensive 5G network in the U.S., Tello users benefit from fast and widespread connectivity in most metropolitan and suburban areas. While Tello’s 4G LTE coverage is somewhat more limited compared to its 5G reach, it still effectively serves the vast majority of cities, towns, and suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which towers does Tello use?

Tello uses T-Mobile's towers too provide 4G and 5G coverage to its customers.

Is Tello really unlimited data?

Tello's unlimited plan isn't truly unlimited in the sense that it doesn't feature unlimited high-speed data. In fact, the unlimited plan caps at 35GB.

Is Tello's coverage better than Mint's?

Technically speaking, Tello and Mint offer identical coverage aboard T-Mobile's national network.