What Is A Data Only SIM Plan?
A data-only SIM card connects your compatible device directly to a cellular network in Australia (such as 4G or 5G) without being linked to a traditional phone number. Built for mobile internet, a data-only SIM plan includes and leaves out a few key things:
- Includes mobile internet access only. Its one job is sending and receiving data over the mobile network, so your device can connect to the internet without Wi-Fi. (Wondering what mobile data is? Read our guide to mobile data.)
- No traditional voice calls or SMS. The line carries data only, so calls and standard texts won't go through.
- Cost-effective. Since you’re not paying for calls, texts and other extras, your money can go further on data.
Where Can I Use a Data-Only SIM Plan?
Tablets and iPads
One of the uses of a data-only SIM plan is for the extra devices in our homes. If you purchase a compatible cellular-enabled tablet and insert and activate a data-only SIM then your device can connect to the internet over the mobile network. This means you can skip hunting for public Wi-Fi or draining your smartphone battery by using it as a hotspot.
Purchase an eSIM online today to avoid needing to go in store or wait for delivery (available on eSIM compatible devices).
Smartphones
You can use a data-only SIM plan in a compatible smart phone, too. It won't include call or text services, but some people may not need traditional calls and texts. They live in apps, and a data-only SIM plan keeps them online for browsing, streaming, maps, social and messaging through services like WhatsApp or FaceTime.
Mobile Broadband Routers and Dongles
Do you need the internet for a temporary rental, a holiday home or the family caravan? A data SIM inside a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can offer quick internet access. Connect your family or your guests on multiple devices simultaneously to high-speed 4G or 5G networks (in select locations with a compatible device), with amaysim's data-only SIM plans. Browse our data only SIMs online today.
Can a Data-Only SIM Plan Replace a Traditional Phone Plan?
For most people, not completely: anything tied to your phone number, like standard calls and texts, still needs a mobile plan. Data-only SIM plans function similarly to a standard SIM card, using the same cellular infrastructure, but the network routing is different. Let’s unpack some frequently asked questions.
Can Data Only SIM Receive SMS?
The short answer is no: data-only SIM plans do not receive text messages, because the connection is routed differently. This matters for two-factor authentication too. Many banking apps, government portals and social platforms verify your identity with a text code, and a device running solely on a data-only SIM plan won't receive SMS verification codes (app-based authenticators and email codes still work as normal).
What if I Run Out of Data?
Data usage can change from week to week. amaysim offers flexibility of data use, allowing you to quickly top-up data as you need. Moreover, amaysim data plans offer data banking. Any unused data from a recharge period rolls over into your data bank when you stay on the same plan*, ready for times when you may need a little more. Learn more about data banking.
*Sometimes you can retain your banked data when switching plans, see www.amaysim.com.au/features/data-banking for details.
Where Can I Buy a Data Only SIM Card?
This part is easy! amaysim data-only SIM plans can be purchased online as an eSIM on the website or the my amaysim app. Alternatively, you can order a physical SIM card straight to your door or pick up a SIM at select retail stores.
Need a device to go along with your new data-only SIM plan? amaysim offers those as well. Just make sure your device is compatible with data-only SIM plans. Shop our range of the latest Apple devices, your go-to Samsung phones or the new offering from Google online today.
amaysim offers competitive data-only SIM plans with no lock-in contracts, no automatic data top-up charges and the freedom to change your data-only SIM plan as your needs change. Plans run from short 28-day options right up to a long-expiry data plan that stays active for a full 365 days, so you can match the plan to how often the device is used. There are three data plans to choose from: two 28-day plans (30GB or 100GB) and a 365-day plan with 365GB to use across the year.
Shop amaysim’s data plans today for your latest tech purchase.