Data only SIM plans

What is a data-only SIM plan?

Data-only SIMs are a special type of SIM card that only provide access to mobile data. These plans skip the calls and texts, focusing purely on internet usage.

This makes them ideal for tablets, portable hotspots and Wi-Fi dongles. They can also be used as an alternative to wireless home broadband.

Because you aren't paying for calls, they are often cheaper than traditional SIM-only plans and come with better data inclusions.

Here's how to choose the best plan.

What can I do with a data only SIM card?

Data SIMs work with a wide range of devices, including:

• Tablets. Many iPads and Android tablets have a SIM slot for mobile network access.
• Smartphones. Most data-only SIMs are smartphone compatible, though you won't be able to call or text.
• Modems: Ideal for home internet or as a backup if your fixed connection goes down.
• Portable Wi-Fi routers and dongles: Perfect for creating a hotspot while travelling.
• 4G/5G laptops. Some business laptops have built-in SIM support.
• Security cameras: Great for remote monitoring where Wi-Fi isn't available.

If your device has a SIM slot and supports mobile data, a data-only SIM will be able to get you online.

How to choose a data-only SIM plan

The best data-only SIM plan is the one that meets your data needs for the lowest possible price. It also needs to provide fast and reliable mobile coverage.

Here are a few things you need to consider:

Network coverage

Telstra has the widest reach, followed by Boost, Optus and Vodafone. Always check the provider's coverage map before signing up to a plan. Poor coverage will result in a slow and unreliable connection.

4G or 5G speeds

5G offers much faster speeds but only in supported areas with compatible devices. If you plan to be doing lots of streaming or online gaming, go for a 5G plan.

Data allowance

Plans start at 3GB per month and go all the way up to unlimited. The amount you need depends on what you're using the SIM for.

If it's just for occasional tablet use, 15GB per month should be plenty. If you're using it for home internet, you'll obviously need a much larger plan (300GB+).

Cost per GB

To calculate the cost per GB, divide the monthly price of the plan by the total data allowance. A good benchmark is $1 per GB or less.

Plans with large data caps usually provide the best value, despite being more expensive. With that said, there's no point paying for data you aren't going to use so set your budget accordingly.

Prepaid vs postpaid

Prepaid plans charge you upfront and give you a set amount of data to use per month. If you go over, network access will be blocked or throttled.

Prepaid plans are better suited to casual users.

Postpaid plans, also known as SIM-only plans, charge you continuously month to month, sometimes at the end of each billing cycle. Unlike prepaid plans, your access isn't blocked if you go over, but you may be charged extra or have your data slowed.

Postpaid works better for regular, high-volume use.

Excess data fees

Some postpaid plans charge excess data usage fees when you go over your monthly cap. Typically this is charged at around $10 per GB. Some plans even charge by the MB.

To avoid bill shock, get a plan that throttles your speeds when you go over.

Data rollover

Data banking is uncommon on data-only SIM plans, but a few prepaid options do allow you to keep unused data when you recharge on the same plan. This lets you rack up extra data for when you need it most.

Telcos that offer data rollover include ALDI Mobile, Optus and amaysim. amaysim is currently the most generous, with unlimited data banking on all of its data only SIM plans.

Tablet compatibility

Does your tablet have a SIM card slot? If not, you will need to purchase a new model with cellular/mobile network connectivity or use a portable hotspot.

Can I get an unlimited data SIM?

Yes. SpinTel offers a Mobile Broadband Unlimited plan on the Optus 4G network, but it requires purchasing the Netgear AC800S mobile hotspot as part of the setup.

Some data-only plans come with "endless data". These plans allow you to keep using data after your allowance has been reached, free of charge.

The catch is that your download speeds will be slowed to around 2Mbps. This is too slow for video streaming or online gaming. In other words, you can only do basic internet for the remainder of the billing cycle.

Best data-only SIM plan for light users / tablets

In Australia, the average mobile user consumes 14.5GB of mobile data per month.

If you're purchasing a data-only SIM for your tablet, you probably don't need this much, especially if you're also browsing on your smartphone.

For light users, we recommend a plan with at least 10GB per month. If you regularly stream video on your tablet, bump that up to 30GB per month.

Another option worth considering is a long-expiry plan. These plans cost more upfront but last for up to 365 days with no monthly payments. You will need to carefully ration your data over the life of the plan, however.

You can reorder the table above to see low-data plans first.

Best data-only SIM plan for heavy users / home internet

If you're planning to use a data-only SIM card for your home internet connection, get a dedicated mobile broadband plan.

These plans are specifically designed for 4G/5G modems and come with much larger data allowances.

According to NBN Co, the average household consumes around 440 gigabytes of data per month so use this as a benchmark when choosing a plan.

You may also want to consider home wireless broadband. These plans use a stationary modem linked to your home address and often come with unlimited data.

Data-only SIMs: Pros and cons

Getting a separate data-only SIM can have a lot of advantages, but there are also a few cons that it pays to know about.

Frequently asked questions

• Who are data-only SIMs for?

  Data-only SIMs are chiefly used for tablets, portable hotspots and backup internet. They can also be used as an alternative to the NBN if you have good mobile coverage in your area.

• What happens when I hit my data cap?

  If you're on a postpaid plan and exceed your data cap, most providers will throttle your internet speeds to 2Mbps. You won't be charged anything extra but your connection will become extremely slow. Some plans charge an excess data usage fee.

  Prepaid plans cut access to the internet when your data cap had been reached. You will need to recharge your plan or purchase more data. Some prepaid plans throttle your connection instead.

• Do data SIMs have a phone number?

  Technically, your data SIM card may have a number associated with it for identification purposes. However, this number cannot be used to make or receive telephone calls, or to send and receive texts.

• Can I use a data-only SIM in my smartphone?

  Most providers let you use data-only SIM cards in your phone, but you won't be able to make calls or send SMS messages. Some telcos restrict data-only SIMs to tablets or modems, so it's worth checking the website's T&Cs first.

• Can I use a data-only SIM in my tablet?

  Absolutely - it's one of the chief purposes of a data-only SIM plan. However, your tablet must have a SIM card slot or it won't be able to connect directly. The tablet also needs to be unlocked and compatible with your provider's network.

• Does every iPad have a SIM card slot?

  No, not every model of iPad comes with a SIM slot. Some, especially cheaper or older models, are Wi-Fi only, meaning you will only be able to get online via a Wi-Fi connection. Check the iPad model's specifications page before you buy it to be sure.

• Should I get a data‑only SIM or just hotspot from my phone?

  If you only require occasional internet access, hotspotting from your mobile is the best option. It uses your existing plan's data and requires no extra setup.

  A data-only SIM is a better choice if you need an always-online tablet for work, or are looking to replace your home internet. It gives you a dedicated connection, often with better value per gigabyte, and avoids draining your phone's battery or data allowance.

• Can I use data‑only SIM overseas?

  Yes, you can use a data-only SIM overseas, but it depends on the provider. Some Australian telcos offer travel-specific data SIMs or roaming add-ons, while others restrict usage to domestic networks only.

  If your plan does support international roaming, pay close attention to the data rates to avoid massive bill shock.

• How much data do I need?

  That depends entirely on how you use your plan. If you're streaming videos all day, gaming online or tethering multiple devices, a high-data plan is non-negotiable.

  If your usage is moderate (checking emails, browsing, occasional Netflix), a small-data plan (20-30GB) is going to be more cost effective.

Written by

Chris Jager

Lead Shopping Editor

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Chris Jager is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience in the Australian tech industry. He has contributed his expertise to top tech publications like PC World, Gizmodo, Business Insider, and Lifehacker Australia, where he also served as editor for five years. Chris holds a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Western Sydney and is widely regarded as a trusted voice in the tech space. See full bio

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