The comparative investigation of the luminescence properties of Er 3 + in low phonon energy tellurite glasses codoped with Ce 3 + , Eu 3 + , and Tb 3 + , respectively, are presented. The energy transfer mechanism between Er 3 + and the codopant is discussed based on their energy level characteristics. Though Ce 3 + is less effective than Eu 3 + and Tb 3 + on the decrease of the lifetime of 4 I 1 1 / 2 level, it hardly influences the lifetime value of 4 I 1 3 / 2 level. Both the 4 I 1 1 / 2 and 4 I 1 3 / 2 levels are depleted severely at the same time with the introduction of Eu 3 + and/or Tb 3 + ions. The influence of the codopants on the 1.5 μm fluorescence characteristic of Er 3 + is also compared. The Er 3 + /Ce 3 + -codoped tellurite glasses will be preferable for obtaining efficient 980 nm pumped broadband EDFA.