The story
The migration of Tello CDMA customers to the new GSM network has officially begun. Essentially, every CDMA customer will be eligible for a free service upgrade (yay, victory dance).
What’s going on?
Early this year, Tello Mobile made the switch from the CDMA network to a new GSM network and started enrolling new customers exclusively to GSM.
It was and still is a fantastic learning process with major wins for our customers. Our service is now compatible with more phones, we offer better and continuously improving coverage, and we’ve introduced new features like wifi calling and 5G – at the same super affordable rates.
How so?
Amid big changes in the telecom industry and a merger of giants that was finalized last year, Tello aligned itself with overall trends of the wireless future – VoLTE – and made the leap towards GSM.
What do we mean by “The GSM migration has begun”?
While the GSM network was live on our site from January and new customers have enrolled to GSM right off the bat, for existing customers things were different, as the majority have continued service on the CDMA network.
In the meantime, we have carefully prepared their switch to Tello GSM. Our main goal was to ensure that every customer gets the very best transition experience and make the process completely pain-free (🙌 #goals).
That being said, we did bank on people’s understanding and patience, and we have to say, our customers did not fail us. They joined the conversation, sparked up some topics, and helped us improve the process. Cool cool cool cool.
No, the process will not happen magically – we mean automatically. There were a lot of pieces to fit in the GSM puzzle. We divided our customer base into batches to keep things stress-free and we’ve already started migrating people in this way.
🤷 How do the “migration batches” work and what do I, a Tello customer need to do?
Here’s the good part: we’ve divided our entire customer base into batches, according to every line’s particular requirements – compatibility, coverage, device type, etc – so you just need to wait for our cue (and thank us later!).
For example, we know coverage is only going to get better and better (yes, more good news!). We’re keeping this into account since that’s why we are inviting customers in some areas on specific dates so that they get the best possible experience.
Let us say it again: please wait for the sign! 🙏
Once your line is ready to migrate, you will be notified in My account on tello.com and via email. So be on the lookout and *only after seeing the sign*, start the GSM transition, as indicated.
More good news: Your phone number will stay the same. Your phone plan options and billing date won’t be affected.
↪ If you see the prompt in your account that gives you the green light and you already have a compatible device, you’ll need to order a free Tello GSM SIM from us. You’ll not be charged for the new SIM, it’s on us!
↪ In case your device is not a match for the new GSM network, take a look at our selection of phones and see what meets your needs and your budget. Or, here’s a thought: check any other device you might have around the house to see if that one is good to go. If you want more details as to why your phone is not accepted at Tello, check out this article with more info on the matter.
🙋♀️ Do I need to hurry? Will I remain without service?!
There will be plenty of time for you to switch to the new network once getting the official heads up in your account.
So, upon receiving the notification, please proceed to follow the needed steps – strongly recommended (wink, wink). One more time for the people in the back: we’re committed to this process because we want to ensure the very best transition experience for each and every one of you. During this time, Tello will have service on both networks, no worries!
Pro tip: check your coverage and phone compatibility BEFORE initiating a migration.
The GSM switch means improved coverage and faster data speeds, all thanks to a more reliable network. Make sure you have all the benefits of the chance by checking how your signal is for your exact zip.
🙋♂️ Can I migrate even if I did not get the notification?
Just like you, we like to be on top of things. Hence our recommendation to wait for the jolly notification and only after receiving it, to proceed with the migration. That’s the only way for us to ensure a smooth process.
👀 I got the notification and ordered a FREE SIM, now what?
When the SIM is delivered to your doorstep, you’ll also get an email that’s jam-packed with instructions and all you need to know about how to activate the service.
Migration will create a port-in from Tello CDMA network to Tello GSM network. Everything is easy and quick, so the entire process usually takes up to 15 minutes.
Once the migration is completed, you will receive a(nother) notification. Make sure you start using your new Tello GSM SIM – yes, everybody needs one – and finish the phone activation steps. All your services are moved to the new SIM. Keep in mind that some of them may need a bit of time to update, like receiving text and MMS, receiving calls.
I have tried and tried but the website will not setup the unlimited plan with 50% off the first 3 months and the free sim card. Can someone help me with this so I can get service switched? Also want to port my number.
Hi, Kenneth,
I’m so sorry, but you’ve missed the 50% Off offer for the first 3 months. To make sure this never happens again and you’re the first one to know about awesome deals, please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social – https://www.facebook.com/tellomobile/. Currently, we’re running a Double Tello Dollars promo – if you refer a friend to Tello you get $20 Account credit instead of the usual $10, please see details here: https://blog.tello.com/news/double-tello-dollars-april2021/.
Also, if you need help with the porting in process, please give our Customer Support Team a ring, and they’ll happily assist you, thanks!
Looks like this is all coming at an extra cost for the customer. Before I didn’t have to recharge my account until it was low. Then I had to do it at $10 every 90 days and lost any previous minutes. Now I have to recharge it at $20 every 90 days. That’s too much money and I will be going elsewhere or just use a free call/text wifi app.
Hi, Scott,
The migration adds absolutely zero costs to our customers. Nothing is changed, not your billing cycle, not your plan, nada. Plus, you get a free GMS from us.
Tello says that we will need to buy new cell phones in order to continue getting Tello cell service. That is definitely an extra cost for us.
Randy, thanks for reaching out and telling your story. A lot of people are in the same spot, I’m sure of it.
Unfortunately, this is the way the cookie crumbles in the entire telecom market. GSM is the future.
Since you were so kind as to share your situation, I’ll do my best to make sure that next promotions at Tello include better deals for phones as well. It might help ease the situation.
Thanks & take care,
Maria
What is that supposed to mean? If we HAVE to buy a phone NOW, then what good is a future promotion? It sounds like you phone rates are subsidized by periodic forced new phone sales.
Larry, I was referring to close, upcoming promotions that might make a difference in your budget. Please stay tuned for news in this matter, thanks!
But that’s not true. Something has changed. Because my phone is apparently “not compatible” I have to buy a new phone. That’s a cost to me. Not “absolutely zero.” That is something I was not prepared to do financially. I’m very unhappy and considering other options.
You and me both, brother. The least Tello could do is to offer cut prices on a new phone, especially when the existing phone was purchased at Tello. Only ones making out in this deal is Tello selling phones and I am angry!
Have you guys made any progress on the carrier bundle issue for iPhone? You really should put in the blog for iPhone users to wait if not or you’re going to have a lot of them leave. I mean without the bundle there’s no 5G, no WiFi calling, no visual voicemail, MMS requires manual APN entry, group MMS doesn’t work, and VoLTE is buggy and causes problems when it’s enabled. These are not minor issues and some transparency would go a long way towards not losing loyal customers along the way.
Hi Robert, unfortunately not. We’re still working on fixing the group MMS and WiFi Calling issue for Apple devices.
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Hello Maria, I have one line with Tello now and was looking at moving both my phone as well as my wife’s to Tello until I saw this iPhone issue. Is there a way that I can be notified when these issues have been resolved?
Have the iPhone issues been resolved?
Hi, Austin, Yes! They are – we covered the good news here: https://blog.tello.com/news/tello-mobile-has-full-support-for-iphones/ and we’re happy to report that Tello fully supports the following features on iOS:
✅ Group MMS
✅ Wi-Fi Calling
✅ Visual Voicemail
Thanks for your comment, Robert. I thought I was dealing with quirks related to my coverage/phone, not a widespread iPhone deficiency that Tello isn’t addressing openly. Along with myself, I recently brought over multiple iPhone users in my family who were happy with Cricket but wanted 5G as standard and more plan flexibility. The tradeoffs (e.g., no WiFi Calling, poor native voicemail integration, buggy VoLTE) have left many of us dissatisfied with Tello and wishing we hadn’t switched. I really hope Tello sorts this out soon and would be more upfront with iPhone users in the meantime.
Hey Robert,
I was pissed that tello did not advertise this big issue anywhere on their website nor during the switchover. My phone and my daughter’s phone ran into the carrier bundle issue in March. This was a known issue since Jan and feb. I finally switched to us mobile and never looked back. They have decent prices and everything works! It took me less than 30 mins to port over because they have great reps who will chat with you during that process. Look into us mobile. I can give you my referral code too.
Thanks I have 3 lines on tello, and with other family members 7 lines in total. Were all switching. No way were all buying new phones when they are all flagship ones.
I *had* a compatible device, but lost it around the house a few months ago. Im still using a cdma only device now. I hope to locate the gsm one, or find another cheapie at a garage sale within the next couple months. Is 3-4 months from now a good estimate as when a switch will be needed?
Matt, sorry for this situation, hope you find your long-lost phone. You could organize a scavenger hunt with the family to increase the chances of finding it!
I can’t give you an ETA, but there’s still time!
Let me know if you find it!
Thanks!
I did not get a free sim card, early this year I ordered and had to pay for that so called free sim even though I just switched from a cdma to a gsm phone I had already bought.
Hi, Diane,
I’ve had my colleagues investigate your case because I had trouble believing your Tello experience was that bad. I make it a point to dig for the truth.
From your order info, we could see that the GSM SIM was indeed free of charge, but you paid $5 due to the fact that you chose priority shipping. One of my Customer Support Team colleagues sent you an email explaining this. Our standard shipping is free, so next time, please consider using that. Hope this clears the air and thanks for reaching out here!
Best,
Maria
My house has ZERO COVERAGE on the T-mobile maps. Had to switch the family from Sprint to AT&T. Can you keep my tello phone on the Sprint network? What if I never initiate the migration?
Hi, Heather,
Unfortunately, never migrating is not a viable option, so it’s only a matter of time until all lines move to GSM.
I’m hoping that by the time that CDMA is off for good, the coverage will improve at your address! Fingers crossed!
All the best,
Maria
Is anyone else having trouble sending photos?
Do you have an iPhone ? It appears there is an issue with iPhones and the T-Mobile merger with Tello.
Loved Tello for over 4 years but after the third customer service
represenitive call finally figured out I had limited service with the NEW GSM over Sprint I was forsed to leave Tello with my New $300 GSM phone.
WHY!!!!!! WAS THIS NOT SEEN BY CUSTOMER SERVICE TO PREVENT A VERY FRUSTRATING TIME and DAY!
1. When a SIM is ordered some one at TELLO should look at the coverage area for that account and warn the customer your service may be limited.
Don’t exspect the customer to check because I had great Sprint coverage in my Area until T-Mobile took over.
2. I may come back to Tello when the dust settles if a carrot is offered. But right now I have Version and a plan almost as good as TELLO. US Mobile!
STILL LOVE YOU TELLO.
Love Back, Sandi!
I had this exact same experience. I share your pain Sandi. I’ve spent over 40 hours reading and researching trying to get to the bottom of of why things deteriorated so poorly in Mar. Only to find out tello was holding back key information that would have made for a quick resolution. (Fortunately, others were posting enough that I could piece together the issues.) Love tello’s low-cost structure, but at the extra time wasted, it will take years to recover the lost productivity in savings. Will be hard to recommend tello going forward. Thanks for the tip on US Mobile.
Loved Tello for over 4 years but after the third customer service
represenitive call finally figured out I had limited service with the NEW GSM over Sprint I was forsed to leave Tello with my New $300 GSM phone.
WHY!!!!!! WAS THIS NOT SEEN BY CUSTOMER SERVICE TO PREVENT A VERY FRUSTRATING TIME and DAY!
1. When a SIM is ordered some one at TELLO should look at the coverage area for that account and warn the customer your service may be limited.
Don’t exspect the customer to check because I had great Sprint coverage in my Area until T-Mobile took over.
2. Also once you new phone is ACTIVATED on the system you CAN NOT GO BACK TO YOUR OLD PHONE IF PROBLEMS COME UP. I may come back to Tello when the dust settles if a carrot is offered. But right now I have Version and a plan almost as good as TELLO. US Mobile!
STILL LOVE YOU TELLO ALOT.
i specifically went out of my way to buy a CDMA compatiblephone to join TELLO. NOW i have to buy another phone? That’s not right and I think TELLO should compensate customers in this situation some way.
Gary, we’re sorry for this, but this is just how the telco industry moves. We’re doing our best to ensure that everybody is having a smooth transition, getting a free SIM, and having better coverage and data speeds. We are thinking about more ways to adjust the balance for people like yourself, so I’d stay tuned. Thanks for sharing your concerns!
I agree. The cost of buying a new phone is very unfortunate, especially considering that I just purchased a new one a few months back. Why are there no phones in the $100-200 range at the moment that aren’t just the simple flip phones?
Adding some other options would surely be a way to keep me. Otherwise if I have to spend $300+ on a new phone, I will have to look elsewhere for service.
Laura, you’re right! We’re working on bringing more affordable phone options and we’ll let you know when they’re live on our site. Great feedback, thanks!
You guys didn’t plan this well at all if your only response to CDMA-only folks is “that’s just how it is.” I guess thanks for the opportunity we all now have to evaluate other mobile service options. This is a great way to lose customers. Whoops!
Drew, I get your concerns and understand the pain caused by this for so many of our customers. We’re doing our best to keep everybody satisfied and figure out the best way to handle sticky situations. CDMA is a goner, there’s nothing we or any other provider can do about it. Takes for your patience and feedback!
Best,
Maria
I agree
,
Last year when I joined Tello, it appears you sold me a phone that was CDMA, knowing full well this upgrade to GSM was going to happen. You did NOT tell me anything about this so I could have made a better decision last year. So now it appears that I am stuck with a worthless phone, which I paid a lot of money for. Why would you trick me like this? I consider this fraud on your part and am not happy at all about it. Now I have to buy another expensive phone just to have phone service available in an emergency. I hate cell phones. And I hate 5G as well. Do we really need more electromagnetic radiation in our lives?
Hi, Allen,
I see how things look like from where you stand. The switch to GSM was not an easy process and a heads-up was no something we could provide. There were a lot of aspects that needed to fall into place. CDMA is dead, unfortunately, it’s just the direction the industry is moving, and in order to keep serving people, we had to be aligned. A lot of good things come from this transition and we really hope you’ll stick around and get the best of it!
I understand you see phones as a health hazard. For me, they’re a way to stay connected and even safe, but to each their own.
I think people here are up for a friendly conversation on this topic, so if you want to add something, go ahead! Here’s an article on the matter: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/do-cell-phones-pose-health-hazard – that says that public health data show no association between exposure to radiofrequency energy from cell phone use and health problems.
Nice talking to you,
Maria
Yeah, my wife and I are having the same issue with Tello. We bought phones from them not long ago, and now those cell phones are going to be unusable on the new Tello network. Makes up angry, and makes us want to shop for cell service elsewhere.
I used your linked coverage checker since Tmobile has had poor coverage in our area. The GSM map shows that my 30 min commute to work, fully covered with CDMA voice, is still largely not covered by GSM. Will locations wait to switch to GSM until coverage equals what’s been available with CDMA? I don’t want to lose call ability between my house and the nearest town. It also makes me concerned that the coverage at my home address, which shows 4g 600 should reach into my house, won’t have improved since the last time we tried Tmobile… which means one or two bars that can go away randomly. How long can we choose to stay on CDMA to give the GSM network time to improve?
Shari, I understand your concerns!
The only thing we can say is that the network is improving daily! Also, although I cannot provide a deadline for the use of CDMA, there’s still plenty of time.
Thanks!
Be careful. You WILL lose your saved voicemails. I lost all the saved voicemails from my deceased parents. If only I could hear their voices one more time.
Michael,
Thanks for writing and giving people the heads up.
I’m so sorry this happened, nothing I can say at this point can make up for your loss.
My heart is with you and I’m sure that you have a lifetime of memories to cherish.
All the best,
Maria
“Once your line is ready to migrate, you will be notified in My account on tello.com ”
Where under “my account” should we look? Dashboard, settings, my phone, port in, activity, order history, my information? Thanks in advance,
Hi, Kenneth,
When the time to migrate comes (don’t you just love this opening?), in your Tello account –> My Phone section ( https://tello.com/account/my_phone), you will see a little prompt that will say: “You’re ready to move to our new GSM network …” + specific details for every case. You can’t miss it! Thanks for the question!
I was having such trouble with my old 3g phone, switched to a new gsm 4g phone, but the new service is absolutely horrible! ( I want to go back :( )
Joshua,
Thanks for letting us know about this. I understand you’ve had a chat with our Customer Support Team about the issue, so my advice is to follow up with them.
Hope everything works out, have a great one!
The “merger of giants” says it all. It’s all about the money! I’m really sorry to see Tello going to GSM. I’ve had T-Mobile before. T-Mobile’s tower is about 3 miles from my home. The Sprint tower is less than 1/2 mile. When I had T-Mobile I could have 3-4 bars of service, but when i made a call it would drop to “0” and not go through. My Sprint CDMA service is great, unfortunately I don’t believe T-Mobile will work for me. I guess I’ll have to switch to Verizon’s CDMA!!
Verizon doesn’t have CDMA anymore, and I could see the call issue existing during the 2G/3G calling days.
However, now T-Mobile has VoLTE and as long as you use that, the call quality is better and the coverage stays the same.
But if it wasn’t broke, why does Tello want to “fix” it? We were perfectly happy with our Tello service. Until this happened.
After The switch over to GSM I no longer have caller ID and every call is unknown, tello support told me that it is gone for good, is caller id not coming back?
Hi, Neal, thanks for writing!
The Caller Name feature is not available on GSM, unfortunately. You should have an email from our CS team regarding this issue, they’re currently investigating the aspect and will get back to you shortly. Great day!
As with others posting here, current T-Mobile coverage at our house is horrible and if it hasn’t markedly improved when “the notice” comes, we will have to take our 5 Tello lines and jump to a different carrier.
Hi, Brian,
We are expecting improved coverage since the 2 networks joined forces, while it’s true this is a work in progress, good things lie ahead! Our advice stays the same: please wait for our signal and see how things turn out for you, signal wise. Thanks for writing!
I recently migrated to the gsm network on my iphone. I keep my father in a phone also on Tello. He requires a feature phone. I was supposed to be purchasing a new phone for him with this check. However I had absolutely no service at his house today. Or for miles around. It is a sad site as I have not found another carrier that offers plans with no data. This has presents me with quite the dilemma.
Lynn, we’re so sorry to hear about this!
The thing is, we are expecting improved coverage – 2 networks joining forces should be better, but as you know, coverage is a living, evolving thing. We hope things look better for you and your dad, soon! Thanks for writing!
Does Tello have a “drop-dead” date from T-Mobile when the Sprint CDMA network will be shut down?
The reason I chose Tello is that you allow use of the Sprint Airave devices – and where I live in a rural area, Sprint does not have voice grade coverage. Through Airave, I’m able to obtain a voice grade signal over the Sprint network.
https://www.sprint.com/content/dam/sprint/commerce/devices/sprint/airave_2_5_plus/documents/airave-2.5-plus-ttg.pdf
As Tello’s management is aware, not all MVNO’s offer/permit the option to allow use of Airave for their customers. Tello (along with Boost Mobile) are a couple of the very few that do permit use of Airave.
However, there is no voice grade signal for the T-Mobile network at this location. From what I understand, T-Mobile does not provide devices similar to Airave to access their network.
I am not in a financial position to purchase a handset that offers Wi-Fi to make phone calls, and I’m not sure if you even offer Wi-Fi phone service over T-Mobile’s network.
Does Tello have any suggestions?
Thank you for the ability to make voice grade calls though over Airave – it’s been a big help!
Hi, there,
Sorry it took a while for me to get back to you, but I forwarded the issue to my colleagues.
Long story short: we’re still digging and working on having it in the future. I’m not sure if other MVNOs have this feature or if it’s working like it’s supposed to. We’re really into finding optimal solutions for people like you, but it might take some time. In the meanwhile, please check out our phone sale – this is the last week you can get $50 off selected phones. On the bright side, yes, Wi-fi calling is available, if your Tello phone runs on the new GSM network.
Have a great one,
M.
Before I switched to gsm from cmda I was not getting phone service and text. I contacted tello customer support via email and was told to go ahead and switch to gsm. So I bought a new gsm compatiable phone from amazon along with a tello sim card. Switched from cmda to gsm and still have the worst coverage although the map indicates full service in my area. When will this change and is it really going to get better?
Donna, sorry to hear you have issues.
As far as we know, the combined power of 2 networks should be better than one, and the promise is that the coverage is constantly improving. We’re really looking forward to it, as well, so please let’s keep each other posted!
Thanks!
I was sent an e-mail saying I was able to switch to GSM, but you’re coverage tracker for GSM says it’s not available in my area. Why would I switch to GSM if it’s not available in my own home?
Tony,
Sorry to hear your GSM coverage is not looking ok at the moment. We really have faith that it will improve over time.
Still, the migration is a thing that will not be optional – it’s an industry-wide trend, we aligned ourselves to it, thus continuing to provide super affordable services to our customers. The CDMA service will continue to be offered until the end of 2021, so maybe you can wait towards that deadline and check the signal again then?
Hoping for the best,
Maria
Heather is right, TMOBILE has the worst coverage. It looks like the years of Tello are coming to an end since I nobody in my area can get a reliable TMOBILE signal. Why not just leave the older customers with CDMA alone? All these changes to a new phone for no good reason just adds to global e-waste. First world problems created by the Germans (TMOBILE) for everyone.
Goodbye Tello.
Hey!
Is there a deadline to actually buy a new phone and switch? My plan expires in a few days? I am really busy this week and don’t have an extra phone that is compatible, and would appreciate dealing with all of this next week. How long do I have to make the switch???
Haley, absolutely no rush!
Do it when you find the time, especially since you’ll not run out of service. We’re keeping the CDMA services until the end of the year.
All the best,
M.
How long before Tello’s CDMA support goes away? Alternatively, since I don’t want to switch my phone, is there are recommendation for a provider who will still offer CDMA support?
Brian, we have no exact ETA for this, but there’s no need to hurry, CDMA will be supported until the end of 2021.
Thanks!
Just switched my iPhone to GSM and everything looks good. Just wondering why is the 5G service unavailable? Your website told me there is excellent 5G coverage at my address.
Hi, Ken,
ATM, 5G is a thing of high prio for us, and we’re working on making it available for all iPhone users, as soon as possible. Thanks for understanding!
Just read through these comments and wanted to say thank you to “Maria from Tello” for her excellent customer service. Impressed by your patience and explanations.
Curt, let me have a humble moment and be the bigger person here: I was only doing my job.
Now that that’s out of the way, let me be real. The truth is Tello is more like a home and this small blog community of awesome humans makes it all worth it. I enjoy writing every article, I learn so much from you guys, and have tons of fun! Thanks a lot!
How do I find out if T-mobile is available in my area? That company has a very bad PR problem in SC. Neighbors have warned me. Will costs change ??
Hi, Andrea!
Please add your address here: https://tello.com/coverage and see how you stand coverage-wise. Fingers Crossed!
Rest assured that there will be absolutely no change in costs. Our super affordable phone plans stay exactly the same. Thanks!
I have a data-only plan on my iPad and already have sim card for this. I understood that I’ve been on Sprint’s data network. My ipad has no voice capability.
But my iPad will still need a new sim card, and it will move to t-mobile’s data network? And this is still a separate data network from Sprint’s, even though the companies are merged? So data coverage for me will change from Sprint’s map (if one still exists) to t-mobile’s?
And are these two data networks becoming one over time?
Since Iphone/iPad support all worldwide bands, will my iPad eventually have the support of all t-mobile’s towers on t-mobile bands and all (formerly) Sprint towers on their bands?
Dear Richard, the merge of the 2 networks is a done deal. We’ve covered the details on it, here: https://blog.tello.com/news/tello-and-the-telecom-giants-merger/.
We are in the middle of migrating existing customers from CDMA to GSM. So, in order to benefit from the new GSM network, you will need a new SIM from us, yes. Once you’re migrated to GSM, yes, your device will run on the new 4G LTE/ 5G network and all that it has to offer – that means no more ties to the former CDMA.
Hope this clears the air, thanks!
When is the end date before transition? I will have to be gone before T-Mobile is the carrier.
Mitch, we’re sorry you’ll have to leave us! There’s no exact end date, but know that CDMA will be supported until the end of 2021. Hope that helps, thanks!
I am in the market for a new, cheap phone that supports a modern OS (I am currently limping along with an iPhone 4s) – not tied to Apple by any means. In the context of the GSM migration and how the telco industry is moving, can you recommend a low-budget phone that supports the latest OS (either iOS or Android)?
Thanks for your time and attention.
Hi, Charles,
Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, I’m not the best person in the world to recommend phones. Personally, I’m married to iOS and people in my family hate that about me. What I’m trying to say is that choosing a device is personal.
As far as our phone selection is concerned, I promise we’ll have more options to pick from, soon, but until then, have you considered a Pixel maybe?
FWIW I’m very happy with refurbished Wiko Ride 2 I purchased off the Tello phone list. Activation was flawless.
aaaand as feared, the “time to migrate soon” email has come but with no improvement in T-Mobile’s dismal coverage. Is there any advance notice available about if/when T-Mobile will improve coverage? If not we’ll sadly have to migrate our family’s 5 Tello lines elsewhere.
Hi, Brian,
While reading your message, the lyrics to No Mercy’s “please don’t go” song popped into mind – sorry, ’90s kid, can’t help it.
This being said, I understand you got to do what it’s best for your family. The only thing I can say is that the CDMA service will stay until the end of the year, so maybe by then, there will be some improvement in your signal. Please keep checking it.
Also, Wi-Fi calling might be of help if things are grim coverage-wise.
Thanks for writing!
We can hold off a little while (in the meantime we are researching suitable phones – including good flip versions: review-wise, rugged Sonim’s would be good to offer those looking for them). But I have read elsewhere that 3G coverage can be expected to decay stepwise even prior to the drop-dead date.
And as it is, the TMobile coverage map in upstate NY looks like tattered lace, while other network coverage looks like, well, a solid umbrella. Hard to see them filling in all the blanks very quickly.
We’re going out on a limb and testing one line to see how the T-Mobile GSM coverage stacks up. Will update, eventually (the Tello order status indicates a 2-week delivery time for the SIM card …)
I have no gsm service inside my residence and poor outside, but decent CDMA signal. My question is, when I receive notice that it is my time to switch service, will this notice be based on the upgrade in coverage in my area? Or is it just getting to my number. Is there any confirmation that the gsm signal will be improved in certain areas, and is there a schedule or listing anywhere?
Thanks!
Hi, Joe,
There’s no listing anywhere, but there is a thorough internal process in which we make sure people have the best possible experience during and after the migration.
Please note that the CDMA service will be supported until the end of the year and if your signal is spotty, you can always use Wi-Fi calling to get by – that’s always super helful!
Best,
Maria
My Tello service is with a GSM iPhone. The iPhone has Sprint LTE in upper left corner of screen.
I received an invitation to order a new sim card so can migrate to the new network.
I checked to find the network coverage map good in my home area. Still, I was thinking of waiting so that T-mobile has plenty of time to integrate the 2 networks as I want to have the same or better service. Should I wait as planned?
Hi, there,
Thanks for trusting us to help with the decision!
The idea is like so: if you’ve received the notification from us, there’s no need to wait. You’re eligible for a smooth migration, with no downsides from the process – that’s why we selected you to make the move now and not sooner. You’ll enjoy all that the new GSM network has to offer, so I’d go for it!
Have a great day,
Maria
Maria,
I have been using Tello’s Sprint LTE on a GSM iPhone 6 for some time. You seem to be implying that Tello’s TMobile on my GSM iPhone will be even better service. Is this indeed the case?
That’s the plan! You’ll have full VoLTE support for iOS, Wi-Fi Calling, faster speeds, and a more stable network. Seeing is believing, right? You can check the signal in your area here: https://tello.com/coverage, thanks & fingers crossed!
Dear Maria,
I’ve always used Kyocera rugged flip phones. I know that E4610 Dura XV LTE is 4G LTE and VoLTE compatible (recommended by Verizon for the GSM migration). Would this Verizon GSM factory unlocked phone work with your service? They say “APN settings after purchase may need to be changed on device for GSM Networks.”. Will this be an issue? This phone seems to be the only option in this class.
Best regards,
Vlad
Hi, Vlad,
Thanks for writing! There shouldn’t be any issues, but as always, my recommendation is to check the device here: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone. Good luck!
Be sure to compare the LTE bands it needs vs. TMobile’s. It looks like the Kyocera uses 2, 4, 5,13 (great for Verizon). Elsewhere on this site Tello says for TMobile going forward you need bands 2,4,12 at a minimum and ideally 66 and 71.
XV LTE specs:
https://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5566
PS I’m in the same boat needing a rugged flip due to impending obsolesence of the Dura XTP, and am leaning toward the Sonim XP3 which has 2, 4, 5, 12 and 66, although not 71.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your remarks. Sonim XP3 indeed has all the possible bands, but they are all Sprint phones. Are there any unlocked or Sprint should work on T-Mobile? You can read the review here:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sonim-xp3
You are right about Kyocera Dura XV LTE, but Kyocera Dura XV Extreme does include band 12, which makes it compatible. It’s ridiculously expensive, and all are locked for Verizon. This is a review:
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/kyocera-duraxv-extreme
Thank you,
Vlad
Hey there, did you ever get the Sonim XP3? I was looking at getting an unlocked one and wanted to see if anyone has had success using it with Tello – thanks for your help!
Thank you for the suggestion to check around the house. I poked about and, to my surprise, found a compatible GSM phone.
Tom, that’s great news!!!!! We’re so happy!
Best,
Maria
My non-compatible device is used only for my venmo account. And I only use venmo when I have access to wifi. I do not call or text with this phone. Will my non-compatible phone continue to work in this manner?
Mark, thanks a lot for reaching out.
Please read carefully the email you got related to the GSM migration and what you need to do. Unfortunately, if your device is not compatible, you’ll no longer be able to use the Tello service, so that’s a no for venmo as well.
I hate bringing bad news, so sorry.
Hi, Maria:
What is the deadline for switching to a GSM-compatible device without having interrupted service due to not switching in time?
Hi, Alina.
Thanks for your question.
We don’t have a final countdown and date, but please keep an eye on your inbox. The CDMA service will be supported until late 2021 and we’ll send out notifications that will need action on your part when we’re close to the end of CDMA. That sounded a bit apocalyptic, sorry, but you get the idea.
Have a great day!
Your current selection of non-apple phones is a wee bit limited. What is the hard date where I need to either purchase a GSM phone of move to another provider.
Bubba, you’re soooo right!
We’re working on bringing more models.
As far as the CDMA service is concerned, it will still be around until the end of 2021. No hard date, but everybody will receive “an action needed” notification on this matter.
Thanks!
How much time I can still use my service with Tello?
I got a migration email and do not want to buy a new phone
Bought one this year so yeah is very good business to sell a new phone
but bad business for me I actually paid 30$ month due to the cell phone buy.
Shame on you
Hi, Dan,
We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused by the migration. Getting stuck in a contract to buy a phone is not a very peachy situation. We get it. The thing is, switching to GSM was a no-miss move for us in order to provide better service to our customers and move things forward.
Your CDMA service will be up and running until the end of 2021, so there’s still time. Hope you can find a way to make things work out for the best. Thanks!
Have you fixed the GSM caller ID issue?
Hello, there,
While this is not really an issue, we do have a solution: we can change the caller name to “Wireless Caller”. I hope this does it for you, thanks for the question!
Thank you for Tello. I understand the reasons for the GSM switchover due to changes to the underlying network that Tello as an MVNO operates upon.
My question – come 1/1/2022, will Tello still utilize the LTE bands that the CDMA-voice call phones used (band 25 – 1900 MHz frequency & band 26 – 850 MHz frequency)? I ask because I would be happy to keep my CDMA-voice call phones for use on Tello as data-only on the LTE service (I don’t use these for calls currently anyway). And, at this time, the signal strength for bands 25 & 26 of LTE are very strong in my neighborhood.
Hi, there,
Your question somehow slipped my radar, I might be getting old. Sorry for the delay and sorry to bring bad news.
When the CDMA service will end, we will switch completely to the GSM bands – everything CDMA-related will no longer be availble.
Thanks & have a great day!
A brand new Samsung Galaxy A10E is only $49 on Boost Mobile why should I pay $139 for a recertified one here. I have only had my phone a short while and it is now incompatible with your network.
Hi Ralph, you don’t have to purchase a device from us – that’s the beauty! You are free to bring your own phone as long as it’s compatible with our GSM network. You can always check here the IMEI and see if a certain phone can enroll in our network: https://tello.com/bring_your_own_phone.
why does the t-mobile coverage map show coverage in gladstone, va and the tello map does not?
T-mobile is now the network, correct? t-mobile map coverage shows excellent coverage but the tello coverage shows no coverage. I would not have purchased an expensive phone had I known it will not work for me.
Hi Trish,
We would need more details to investigate this.
We use the same Coverage map, so there shouldn’t be differences like the one you just mentioned. Can you please send us an email with the address you checked and we’ll look into it: https://tello.com/contact.
Thanks a lot for bringing this to our attention!
Hello,
I received an invitation to migrate to the new Tello network by ordering a GSM SIM card. When I go to order, my telephone number is displayed followed by CDMA. This is not correct. Later on in the order, it say: “This SIM will enable the transition from the CDMA to the GSM network. Once this order is delivered you’ll need to activate the SIM in your online account in order to finalize the transition to GSM.”
So, I am confused a little since I currently have GSM Tello service. There is an option to state that I already have a GSM SIM card. I’m assuming this is the case. Again, I’m currently using a GSM iPhone 6 with Tello SIM card.
What am I to do? How do I migrate from GSM Sprint LTE to GSM TMobile?
Hi there,
Indeed you received the invite to migrate to GSM, but please note that you are still on the CDMA network.
In order to migrate please check the GSM coverage on our Coverage page and then if everything looks fine, you need to login into your Tello account and order the GSM SIM by clicking the “SEND ME A FREE TELLO GSM SIM” button.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Support team, available 24/7 by phone & chat.
I got some kind of emergency test alert on my Coolpad Snap Thursday just aound eleven am and I couldn’t get the screen alert to go away. The alert came back again so Instead of putting the phone away, I tried all the keys, especially the power key which didn’t respond. Dropped the battery and reinstalled and the phone would not power up. Or at least I thought so as the screen stay blank/dark. I was between appointment at the VA in Palo Alto and was stressed out that I now had no telephone access to the world as my other line was toes up to a radio issue and that switch from CDMA to GSM was a big fail. With my dead cell phone, I headed over to Walmart in Mountain View and did some shopping out of sequence for my daily plan. They also had a Coolpad Snap with some other carrier there and when I poked the screen, the same alert message was displayed, but poking the ok button got the phone back to the home screen. Angry, I finished my shopping and headed back to the Palo Alto VA for the last appointment. And while waiting, fiddled with the phone again, dropping the battery, hitting the power on/off key to no avail then voila! hitting the end call button powered the phone up! I wanted to put an expletive in front of phone in the previous sentence. I filled out a gripe in another contact form, but this Coolpad Snap has some horrific and problematic issues with the human interface.
Make that Wednesday!
Somehow, a large file attached to a text (!.3 mb MMS) couldn’t open. No matter what I attempted. Finally found forward text facility and that thing runs off the contact file, I couldn’y type in a number and forward it to my other phone, Somehow I think I also saved the file, kind of hoping to save it and bluetooth it over. but I haven’t a clue where to look. I wish there was a menu map of buried menus. If perchance I saved a file, any ideas where it was parked? Thanks!
I am an existing Tello customer but my LG phone bought from Tello will no longer be GSM compatible after the migration. If I don’t buy another phone from Tello website but exact same model somewhere else cheaper like ebay, will the device have the same IMEI/ESN code and GSM compatible? Will I need a new GSM SIM and how much will it cost?
Hi, There,
Here’s the thing: you can buy the phone from a 3rd party as long as you make sure it meets the requirements for GSM compatibility – meaning it’s VoLTE and supports Bands 2, 4, 12.
Please know that every phone has a unique IMEI and you’ll need a Tello GSM SIM regardless of where you’ll buy the device from. IF you get a phone from us, the SIM is free. If you’re just signing up for a Tello Plan, the SIM is currently at $2, with free standard shipping.
Hope I got everything covered, thanks!
How do I know if I need a new SIM for GSM?
Barry, thanks for the question. The answer is yes, if you want to switch to Tello GSM, you’ll need a new Tello GSM SIM. Everybody does. Existing customers that migrate to the new network get one for free, as well as the people ordering a phone from us. If you’re a newcomer and get a plan until the end of the month, you get 25% OFF for the first 6 months and the SIM for just $2. Free shipping, of course. Hope this helps, thanks!
I posted this earlier today, but i do not see it. How do I know if I need a new SIM card for GSM? Thanks.
I bought my new phone specifically because I wanted Tello’s service. The new phone works perfectly and I like it better than any phone I have had in the past. I want to keep the phone as long as I can. That being said I DO understand that it will become obsolete when Tello switches to the GSM network. My question now is, “how much longer can I expect to use my current phone before I MUST switch to another GSM compatible phone?”
Joel, so sorry for the inconvenience, I know just how it is to find a device you loooove. This being said, we’ll be keeping CDMA until the end of the year and we’ll send out notifications when the time comes. Have a great day, thanks!
Under mobile network settings have the following choices:
AUTOMATIC
LTE/CDMA
CDMA
GSM/UNIT
As I understand the change over, now of these will work after the change over?
Hi, there,
When the CDMA service will no longer be supported, we won’t use everything CDMA-related. Thanks!
Since I don’t need a new phone, but Tello says mine is not compatible, I guess they want me to migrate to Red Pocket, or maybe Mint… Oh well, at least my number can go with me.
Russel, we’re sorry your device is not compatible with our service. It might look like we’re playing Tinder with devices, but we have to respect the GSM requirements. Thanks and have a great day!
After lots of research, I might join Tello and need to upgrade my phone. By the way, the refurbished Wiki Ride 2 is priced too high: original MSRP was $89.99 new, and Wiko Ride 3 (released May 2021) MSRP is $99.99. Do all the phones Tello is now selling support the GSM network and ship with a GSM SIM card?
Hi, thanks for considering us!
We’d love to add you to the big Tello Family! Yes, all the phones we sell support GSM and every device comes with a FREE GSM SIM and free shipping.
Also, take a look at our phone selection these days, since every device comes with a discount, too. Hurry!
Hi Maria, thanks for your reply. I am considering a few phones from Tello’s selection. My needs are basic talk and text. Can you offer an opinion about the Wiki Ride 2 having a decent/reliable performance and customer satisfaction? How long will the phones be on sale?
Hello, again,
The sale is on until the end of the month, but it’s depended on how long the stocks last, so, I’d hurry.
I’m not into Wiki Ride phones, – sorry, I’m an iS junkie 🙈 – but I’ve asked a bit around and people are telling me that spending just a tiny amount extra on a Motorolla might be a better idea.
If anybody else has any other input on this, please join the conversation :D.
If not, try reading some reviews on the device before buying.
Thanks!
Maria your the best.
Many thanks, Lance!
I am trying to figure something out. I have two iPhones — a 5S and a 7 Plus. In spite of its GSM capabilities, the 5S will no longer be compatible (something to do with not being able to handle VoLTE). So I’ll need a new phone. The iPhone 7 Plus is fine for the time being (already migrated it).
Now, what I’d like to know is this: is Tello migrating to 5G exclusively? If so, when is the 4G network shutting down?
Any information would be appreciated.
Hi, Sonia,
Thanks for writing!
We’re migrating people to GSM, so that’s a no for your question regarding the 5G exclusivity. As long as your phone has VOLTE capacity, it’s unlock and supports the needed bands, you’re good to go. Thanks!
To continue using Tello, you need to migrate to the new GSM network and get a compatible device by Oct 31, 2021. Go to My Tello account to check your options.
This is the message I got. So I definitely need a new device? So confused.
Hi, Jonathan,
You’ve received this message because your device is not compatible with our new GSM network. You can also check it via our BYOD compatibility checker.
In order to keep enjoying our services and affordable phone plans, you’ll have to enroll a compatible device until the above-mentioned date. Some of our customers had the surprise of finding a GSM-compatible phone laying around the house, so fingers crossed :). Thanks!
Maria your the great.
Mai, now that I’m hearing this from you, I’m considering changing my name here from “Maria from Tello” to “Maria the great”. Thanks a lot!
Migrated from CDMA to GSM.. I now have slower than dialup speeds.. RARELY do I get more than 1Mbps.. I’m always in the Kbps. I have already contacted support NUMEROUS times and had me do this or that and this or that.. Finally they escalated the issue.. After waiting a while they said the technicians are aware and working on it… After a longer while, I was eventually told it’s a service coverage issue… This is B.S. All three of my lines have the same issue now.. Soon as I find a someone with better data coverage, that’s going to be 3 line moving from Tello.
Very disappointed!
We’re terribly sorry you’re experiencing some troubles.
Your case is still open at us and we’ve escalated it towards the big guys.
I’m still hopeful for a resolution, my Customer Support colleagues will keep you in the loop. Thanks for reaching out & your patience!