Home > Internet Plans > Data-Only SIM Plans

Data-Only SIM Plans

Find out how data-only SIMs work and compare internet plans with Savvy today.

100% free and no obligation.

Written by , updated on February 13th, 2024

Receive a $50 Woolworths eGift Card*

Receive a $50 Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Savvy's partner, Econnex Comparison. Terms and conditions apply.

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of internet plans to help you compare them.

Data-only SIM plans have emerged as a flexible internet solution for Australians looking for internet on the go, offering internet access for tablets, modems, and other devices. Whether for work, entertainment, or staying connected on the go, it’s important to understand how data-only SIM plans work.

You can compare a range of internet plans in one place through Savvy. Consider plans tailored to your specifications and available where you live from a variety of leading Australian providers. Fill out our simple online form and get a no-obligation quote today!

What is data-only SIM plans and how do they work?

A data-only SIM plan is a type of mobile broadband plan which provides internet connectivity without the traditional voice call and SMS features associated with regular mobile plans. As the name suggests, it’s a SIM card which can be inserted into portable devices to provide an internet connection on the go.

These plans come with a specific allowance which determines the amount of data users can consume each month, with unlimited mobile broadband only available in very select cases.

There are two main types of data-only SIM plan to consider:

Prepaid data-only SIM plans

Prepaid broadband plans require you to pay for your data at the start of the month. These plans come without lock-in contracts and don’t charge for excess data usage, as your data cap is pre-determined, and you’ll simply be required to recharge at the end of each period (typically a month) or when it runs out. However, these plans are typically more expensive than postpaid SIM plans.

Postpaid data-only SIM plans

Unlike prepaid plans, postpaid plans are paid at the end of the month. This means that you may be subject to excess data charges if you exceed your monthly limit (although some providers won’t charge for excess usage). These plans may also come with lock-in contracts, though this isn’t always the case, but are often much cheaper than prepaid options.

What devices can I use a data-only SIM plan for?

Data-only SIM plans are versatile and compatible with a range of devices which may rely on physical connectivity for internet access. Common devices that can use data-only SIM plans include:

Tablets: data-only SIMs are often used in tablets, including serving as an internet plan for iPads and other brands. They enable users to access the internet without Wi-Fi.
Pocket Wi-Fi: pocket Wi-Fi, also known as mobile hotspot devices, uses data-only SIMs to create a portable Wi-Fi network. This allows multiple devices to connect to the internet through the hotspot.
USB modems/dongles: these plug-and-play devices connect to a computer or compatible device’s USB port and use a data-only SIM to provide internet access. Modems and dongles are useful for laptops and desktop computers.
Dedicated modems: some modems are designed specifically for data-only SIM cards. They can occasionally be used for home internet or as a backup source.
Laptops: laptops with built-in SIM card slots can use data-only SIMs for internet access, providing connectivity when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Smartwatches and wearables: some smartwatches and wearables are equipped with cellular connectivity and can use data-only SIMs for certain functions, such as receiving notifications or tracking locations.
IoT devices: data-only SIMs can sometimes be used in various Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including security cameras, GPS trackers and environmental sensors.

How do I compare data-only SIM plans?

Comparing data-only SIM plans involves considering several key factors to find the mobile broadband plan that best suits your needs:

Data allowance: evaluate the amount of data offered by each plan. Consider your typical monthly data usage to avoid overpaying for excessive data or running out prematurely. These plans can range from as little as 5GB to 10GB all the way to 400GB or more.
Network coverage: check the coverage provided by the mobile network associated with the SIM plan. Ensure it offers reliable coverage in your area and places you’re likely to be.
Network connection: consider the network connection (namely whether it’s 4G or 5G) and whether the speed and coverage provided meet your requirements for mobile broadband.
Contract terms: determine whether the plan is available on a month-to-month basis or if it requires a contract commitment and whether one is more suitable for you than the other.
Cost: compare the monthly cost of each plan, including any upfront fees for the SIM card. Be aware of any additional charges or costs which may impact you.
Data rollover: some plans offer data rollover, allowing unused data to carry over to the next month. This can be beneficial if your data usage varies.
International roaming: if you travel frequently, check if the plan includes international roaming options and their associated costs.
Device compatibility: ensure the data-only SIM plan is compatible with your device. Some devices may require specific SIM card sizes or compatibility with certain networks.

Why compare internet plans with Savvy?

100% free

The entire comparison process is free with us, meaning you can use it as many times as you like.

Trusted providers

You’ll be able to consider competitive offers from some of Australia’s leading internet providers before you buy.

Compare any time, anywhere

You can compare plans 24/7 with our online form regardless of where in Australia you’re living.

Common questions about data-only SIM plans

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

Yes – you can use a data-only SIM in a smartphone which is compatible with the SIM card size. However, keep in mind that data-only SIMs don’t provide traditional voice call or SMS services, so you'll rely solely on internet-based communication apps for calls and texts.

How do I work out how much data I need for my SIM?

To determine your data needs, it’s important to consider your typical monthly usage. If you’re using your SIM for activities such as streaming or gaming, you’re likely to need more data than if you’re primarily browsing and checking your emails. More data-intensive activities may also require a more reliable and strong internet connection, meaning 5G may be more suitable than 4G in some cases.

How do I activate a data-only SIM card?

Activation procedures vary by provider. Typically, you'll insert the SIM card into your device and follow the instructions provided in the package or online by the provider. Activation may involve creating an account, selecting a plan and adding credit or data.

When do data-only SIM plans expire?

The expiration of data-only SIM plans depends on the provider and plan. Many plans have a specific validity period, which may range from 28 or 30 days up to as long as 365 days in some cases. However, others may last until you use up the data or credit. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your chosen plan for details on expiration.

Helpful guides on internet plans

Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

$50 Woolworths eGift card terms and conditions

The Promoter is CIMET Sales Pty Ltd ABN 72 620 395 726. Level 18/570 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000. Econnex Comparison is powered by CIMET.
Promotion available on qualifying Broadband Plan purchases between 1^st February 2024 to 31^st July 2024 (“Promotional Period”) and may be withdrawn at any time by Econnex Econnex Comparison retains the right to change or alter the terms of this offer.
You (“Customer”) will receive $50 worth of Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards when you purchase a Broadband Plan via Econnex Comparison, subject to these Terms and Conditions.

Information on how to qualify to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card forms part of these Terms and Conditions. Participation in this promotion is considered acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards, you must purchase the Broadband Plan via the following link: https://app.econnex.com.au/broadband?rcCode=90709
You must switch to a new Broadband retailer. Customers who change plans via Econnex but remain with the same retailer will not be eligible.
Your Broadband Plan must be connected within 30 days from the date of purchase.
Eligible Recipients will receive the applicable Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards by email up to 120 days after purchasing the Broadband Plan.
Econnex Comparison is not liable if any Customer details supplied are incorrect.
Econnex Comparison is providing this offer in conjunction with the retail services offered on its platform.
Details of Econnex Comparison retailers can be found at the following link: https://www.econnex.com.au/approved-providers-list
You must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over. Econnex Comparison may request you to provide a copy of your valid ID for identification purposes.
The Promoter reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity to receive the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards and Customer’s information (including the Customer’s identity, age and place of residence) and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, tampered with the claim process, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise fair and proper conduct of the promotion.
Errors and omissions may be accepted at the Promoter's discretion. Failure by the Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any stage does not constitute a waiver of those rights.
When the request for a connection cannot be completed, is unsuccessful, or a request is made for the cancellation of your Broadband Plan within the first 30 days from the date of connection, you will not be eligible to receive any gift card.
Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card is subject to any issuer Terms and Conditions.
Any ancillary costs with redeeming the gift cards are not included.
No responsibility is taken for any lost or stolen Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Cards.
If the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are unavailable, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards to a card with equivalent value, subject to directions from a regulatory authority.
If the offer is not able to be conducted as reasonably anticipated, due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, including but not limited to: technical difficulties, unauthorised intervention or fraud, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to the extent permitted by law: a. to disqualify any individual; or b. to modify, suspend, terminate or cancel the promotion, as appropriate.
This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from Econnex

Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions.

Econnex Comparison will transfer your Broadband Plan request and details to the selected retailer.
Econnex Comparison may contact you to clarify any details or discrepancies in the information you provided for your Broadband Plan purchase.
To cancel your request, you will need to contact the Broadband Plan retailer and inform them of your decision.
Please note that we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands.
If you have any inquiries regarding your Broadband Plan purchase, you can contact us directly at 1800 013 000 or email us at [email protected]
Econnex Comparison Terms and Conditions: https://www.econnex.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
By participating in this promotion, the individual authorises the Promoter to collect, hold, use and disclose their personal information in accordance with Econnex’s privacy policy, including providing such information to third parties such as contractors, service providers, suppliers and where required or authorised by law. Econnex’s Privacy policy can be found at https://www.econnex.com.au/privacy-policy
Econnex may, unless the individual tells us not to, use the information to communicate with them by mail or electronically by, for example, email, phone, SMS to issue direct marketing and commercial communications telemarketing calls.
To opt out of direct marketing access, update, or correct personal information you may contact us at [email protected]

Other Information

Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card but is not the Promoter of the offer nor responsible for fulfillment of the offer terms.
Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards have a fixed term expiry as displayed on the front of the gift card and are redeemable in-store and online at Woolworths Supermarket stores only.
Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are valid for 3 months from the issue date and Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards are not reloadable or redeemable for cash.
Econnex Comparison and Woolworths will not replace, expired, lost, stolen, or deleted Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Cards.
Check your Spam/junk email if you have not received a Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card in your inbox within 120 days after activation of your Energy, Electricity or Gas Plan.
Woolworths Store Bonus eGift Card is sent via email from [email protected] or [email protected]
For enquiries related to the application, gift cards, or adding or removing any details on the application, please contact the Econnex Comparison at 1800 013 000 or e-mail us at [email protected]
For the balance and transactions history on this Woolworths Bonus Store eGift Card and Woolworths Terms and Conditions visit https://woolworths.com.au/giftcards or call 1300 101 234.

1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.