Tello and Spectrum offer similar pricing and plans, but with a major difference is that Tello uses T-Mobile’s network for coverage and Spectrum uses Verizon’s network. You should also keep in mind from the start that Spectrum Mobile only works well if you already pay for Spectrum Internet. If you do not already pay for Spectrum Internet, then on your monthly Spectrum Mobile bill, you need to add an extra $10.
Tello and Spectrum were both included in our list of top cell phone plans for 2023, but we would only suggest choosing Spectrum Mobile if you are already a customer of them.
- Data Plans: Tello vs. Spectrum
- International Free Calling using Tello
- Tello vs. Spectrum performance and coverage
- Data Speeds: Tello vs. Spectrum
- Data Throttling
- Tello vs. Spectrum Recap
- People May Also Ask
- Who provides service for Spectrum Mobile?
- How can I get to my Spectrum mobile phone account?
- Is Spectrum Mobile connected to T-Mobile?
- What is Spectrum for Mobile?
- Is Spectrum Mobile 5G?
Data Plans: Tello vs. Spectrum
Like the unlimited plan, Tello offers more choices.
Tello has many low-cost small data plans while Spectrum only gives two unlimited ones. Here’s a comparison of both data plans of carrier that offer 10GB of data or more:
We like that Tello gives many cell phone plans – not just unlimited choices. If you are looking for a limited plan, then this decision would be easy for you that you should choose Tello.
Spectrum’s simple unlimited data plan costs $5 more than Tello’s. We would decide which one you like more, Verizon’s or T-Mobile’s cell network. Remember that you need to already be a Spectrum customer for the price stated above. If not, you will have to pay an extra $10 every month.
Spectrum has a top-level unlimited plan that costs more compared to the basic cell phone plan. However, it does not bring much worthiness. The Unlimited Plus Data Choice gives better streaming quality, but it would not matter if you watch live TV with Wi-Fi.
International Free Calling using Tello
Tello does not care about giving lots of extras, but it is nice that you get to call landlines in more than 60 countries around the world including Canada and Mexico. Spectrum also lets you make free calls to landlines in Canada and Mexico, but they do not provide the extra 60 countries for no cost. If you need to call people overseas, Tello would be a better choice.
Tello vs. Spectrum performance and coverage
Tello uses T-Mobile and Spectrum uses Verizon.
Prepaid phone companies such as Tello and Spectrum do not own wireless networks. Rather, they pay rent to large companies (like Verizon and T-Mobile) to use their network coverage. Here, Tello borrows the T-Mobile 5G network. And Spectrum gets it from Verizon’s 5G network. Verizon has the biggest coverage in the country, but it depends on where you live.
Before choosing Tello or Spectrum, we strongly advise you to look at the coverage map below. Just put in your zip code and find out what kind of coverage you can get from both the T-Mobile and Verizon networks. When you see more purple, it means better coverage.
Data Speeds: Tello vs. Spectrum
Based on our research and testing, T-Mobile’s 5G network provides faster speeds on average than Verizon’s 5G network: 30. 2Mbps vs. 54.1Mbps. Like speed, data speeds also change based on where you are. But usually, they will be in an average range of speed.
We strongly suggest you talk to some people living nearby about the coverage and how fast their internet is with their phone plans. Notice if your next-door person says they had a bad experience with phone companies on T-Mobile or Verizon’s networks.
Data Throttling
The bad thing about choosing cheap pay-as-you-go services like Tello and Spectrum is that sometimes your internet speeds can slow down. When lots of people use wireless data at the same time, big companies give more priority to their customers than those using prepaid services like Tello or Spectrum.
If, you are paying for Tello, and your friend for a T-Mobile unlimited plan. Both of you need a trip home after a busy concert and you are upset because your Uber app can not find the internet.
At the same time, your friend easily asks for a ride without any problems with connecting. What is the difference? Your friend got a faster network request than you, making your data move slower. This kind of problem should not happen often, but when it does show up, slowing down the connection is frustrating.
Important Links
Tello vs. Spectrum Recap
Tello and Spectrum have almost the same unlimited plan, but Tello gives you more for your money. Tello gives you free calls to landlines all over the world and more plans to pick from. Spectrum’s mobile plans cost more if you do not have Spectrum Internet. This might stop some people from choosing them.
- Data plans: If you are already paying for Spectrum Internet, the basic unlimited plan from Tello and Spectrum almost costs the same. Spectrum offers a top plan with high-definition streaming for people who watch lots of content on the move.
- Coverage: Tello uses T-Mobile’s network, but Spectrum uses Verizon’s network. Reliability of coverage often depends on where you live, but overall Verizon’s network (that Spectrum uses) has better national coverage.
- Performance: Usually, people who use Tello will get quicker internet on T-Mobile’s 5G network. People who use Spectrum will also get good speeds on Verizon’s 5G network. But usually, it would not be as quick.
People May Also Ask
Who provides service for Spectrum Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s cell towers, which cover 70% of the United States. Verizon really has the most 4G coverage across the whole country. Spectrum Mobile also gives 5G service, but Verizon’s reach is at 12.77% right now.
How can I get to my Spectrum mobile phone account?
You can check your past orders, watch how much data you use and see other actions on your Spectrum Mobile account online or in the My Spectrum App.
Is Spectrum Mobile connected to T-Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile can only be used by people who have Spectrum internet and it runs on Verizon’s mobile network. T-Mobile gives cell phone users bigger data limits and extra advantages.
What is Spectrum for Mobile?
Spectrum is about the radio frequencies given to the mobile industry and other areas for talking through the airwaves.
Is Spectrum Mobile 5G?
All Spectrum Mobile data plans have 5G across the country without extra cost. If you already have Spectrum Internet, you can join Spectrum Mobile.
