Tab support for Linux is somewhat limited compared to Windows programs like SecureCRT and Putty Connection Manager.
I have managed to create this small Bash Script which I use to Telnet into my Cisco Routers and Switching in a Lab environment.
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This script is easily modifiable, If you need to remove the IP address, you may remove the following lines and reply $ip with your variable.
echo "Enter the IP Address to continue..."
read ip