WIRED Review: Tello Mobile Offers Significant Savings for Low-Data Users
A two-week comparative analysis in Oregon reveals that while Tello’s speeds are approximately 30% slower than T-Mobile’s, the cost benefits are substantial for users who retain devices for extended periods and rely on Wi-Fi.
A recent review by WIRED has evaluated Tello Mobile, a prepaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that leverages T-Mobile’s network infrastructure in the United States. The assessment, titled "Tello Mobile Plan Review (2026): Low Cost, Reliable Service," positions Tello as a viable cost-saving alternative to major postpaid carriers, particularly for consumers seeking to reduce monthly expenditures without sacrificing core connectivity.
Tello’s pricing structure is designed for flexibility, with plans starting at $10 per month for 2GB of data, unlimited talk, and text. The top-tier plan reviewed costs $25 per month, plus fees, providing 50GB of high-speed data, unlimited "horrible-speed" data, and a 10GB hotspot. The service operates on a no-commitment basis, with a five-minute eSIM setup process for compatible unlocked phones and no option to prepay beyond one month.
During a two-week testing period in Oregon, the review compared Tello against a T-Mobile postpaid plan across various environments, including urban areas, low-reception zones, and a sports stadium. The tester utilised an older iPhone 13 on T-Mobile and a 2025 Motorola Razr on Tello. In areas with good reception, Tello’s download speeds were approximately 30% slower than T-Mobile’s, averaging 300-600 Mbps compared to 800-900 Mbps on 5G. Latency was noted as significantly higher on Tello, though not disruptive to casual usage.
Upload speeds were observed to be faster on the Tello device, a factor attributed to the newer modem technology in the Motorola Razr rather than network prioritisation. Performance remained comparable in most areas, with significant drops occurring only in low-reception zones, such as the outskirts of Portland, where data speeds slowed considerably and uploads dipped to a quarter of T-Mobile’s speed.
The review concludes that Tello is a strategic option for users who keep phones for extended periods and utilise Wi-Fi frequently, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually compared to postpaid plans from major providers. However, the financial advantages diminish for those who upgrade devices annually or require extensive international roaming, as Tello lacks the bundled perks and device subsidies typical of major carriers.
