Crossword Genius

Short communication from the stateless (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tel

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'short communication' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'from the stateless' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates a hidden word.
'TEL' can be found hidden inside 'stateless'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tel that I've seen before include "Ancient mound in Middle East" , "Small number" , "Phone number or Terry in short" , "Ancient mound in Arab lands" , "Phone number (abbrev.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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