Best SIM plans for smartwatches, pet tracking and dashcams
- Connect your device with low-cost plans
- Choose a smartwatch plan for your child
- Track children, pets and more with a connected device
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of devices can be connected to the internet outside of my home?
Besides smartphones, tablets and computers, people are starting to use more devices that are internet-ready. These kinds of devices are called Internet of Things. For instance:
- Smartwatches for kids
Smartwatches can be connected to the internet with a phone plan that allows parents to track their child’s location, and provides basic phone services without full access to the internet. - Pet tracking devices
Pet trackers are typically attached to collars (or are a complete collar) that allows you to track your pet’s location. Some pet trackers also monitor your pet’s health, which can be useful for diagnosing illnesses. - Dashboard cameras
While you don’t necessarily need to connect your dashcam to the internet, it does mean your footage is stored in the cloud. That way, even if your dashcam is damaged in an accident, the footage is safely stored ready to give an account of the incident. It’s also helpful if your car is stolen, giving you a live stream of the car’s location.
What is the Geofence feature in kid’s smartwatches?
Geofencing is a feature on tracking devices and smartwatches that gives you the ability to set a designated area (for instance, a 500m perimeter around your house) that triggers and alert if your child leaves the area.
Do I use a regular SIM plan for these devices? How do I pick the right one?
evices like kids smartwatches and pet trackers don’t consume as much data as a smartphone. You likely won’t need a large plan, and may only need a data-only plan for a tracker or dashcam.
Prepaid plans can give you a decent amount of data for very little outlay, but you’ll need to remember to renew it before it expires, or switch on automatic renewal. Reminders will be sent to the device it’s connected to, which might be attached to your child’s wrist.
It might be best to look at plans tailored to these kinds of devices, such as C Mobile’s C Red plans, which start at $50 per year.
What's good
- Plans are affordable and typically PAYG
- Tailored to smaller devices like smartwatches
What's bad
- Plans can be difficult to compare
- Some devices may only accept eSIM
Connecting small but smart devices in Australia
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an umbrella term used to describe devices that connect to the internet. Today, these devices number in the hundreds and have become mainstream in their use – especially as tracking devices for children and pets.
IoT adoption. Source.
These devices can be connected via WiFi, SIM card, bluetooth or GPS. If your device is mobile, such as a kids smartwatch that isn’t connected to a phone via Bluetooth, you’ll need a SIM card or eSIM to access the internet. The tricky part about connecting your device is finding the right plan.
The good news is that these kinds of devices typically have cheaper plans, since they don’t require as much data or call and SMS capability as smartphones.
1. Kids tracking watches/smartwatches
The demand for kids wearables has grown enormously over the past few years. Parents want to know where their kids are, and that they’re safe. Kids smartwatches give parents the ability to locate their child at any moment, and give kids a way to call their parents or emergency services.
Moms on kids wearables. Source.
Parents can track their child via an app on their smartphone. Parents can also set up designated perimeters and be alerted if the child sets foot outside the zone. For instance, outside school grounds or the home (called Geofencing).
How to pick the right SIM for your kid’s new smartwatch
- The brand and type of smartwatch is the big factor.
The type of smartwatch and the way you use it will determine the plan you should choose. Check the specifications of the smartwatch to see whether it takes a physical SIM card or if it needs an eSIM (a digital version of a SIM card). Then think about how much data you might need, and whether you need calling and texting ability. Then, look at prepaid, postpaid and PAYG plans to see which type works best for you. - Most tailored smartwatch plans for kids are a combination of prepaid and PAYG.
If you’re looking at plans specifically designed for kids watches, you’ll see many of them have a minimum annual fee that includes a certain amount of data. Once the data is used up, you move to a PAYG * so you’re only paying for what you use. This can be a cost-effective way to connect a smartwatch without paying monthly.
Picking a SIM for your tracking devices
Tracking devices, which can be attached to school bags, luggage, cars and aging family members are growing in popularity. Specifically, pet trackers – which are attached to your pet’s collar or are a specifically designed collar – are used for more than just tracking and can also monitor your pet’s health, like their heart rate and other diagnostics. They’re a pretty smart piece of technology.
Some trackers will use satellite technology for GPS tracking, which doesn’t require a SIM card. But, if your tracking device requires a SIM, you can look at prepaid and postpaid plans, knowing you likely won’t need much data at all.
Connecting your dashcam for livestreaming capability
Dashcams are also rising in popularity, although they’re still more common in the USA than they are in Australia. Dashcams act as an eyewitness to accidents, but can also be used as a tracking device if your car is stolen or you’ve lost it in a carpark on Christmas Eve.
Some dashcams store data on an inbuilt SD card, which can be damaged in an accident or run out of memory and stop recording. So, some people choose to use a dashcam with internet connectivity so the dashcam recordings are safely saved to the cloud.
3G cams continue to roll, storing their footage in the clouds. This prevents any loss of footage and ensures the user a complete record. The footage can be downloaded remotely on a smartphone or other device, and maintenance of the 3G dash cam can be done remotely.
As a side note, insurance companies in the United Kingdom sometimes offer discounts to people with 3G cams.
What are pet trackers used for?
Primarily, pet trackers function as locating devices. However, the uses of pet trackers can be viewed under three broad sections: Location services, safety, and surveillance.
1. Location services
Pets are often easily enamoured by their surroundings. They want to explore as much of their space as possible. For pets, this is a natural phenomenon. For pet owners, however, this could mean anxiety and discomfort when the whereabouts of their pet is unknown.
Pet trackers give pet owners the ability to keep track of their pets no matter the situation. Whether at home or in parks and public places, pet trackers give pet owners the information they desire in regards to pets.
2. Safety
Pet tracking devices aid pet owners in keeping their pets safe. When pets wander off, they put themselves in all manner of danger. From reckless drivers to dangerous edges and corners, pets are usually unsafe beyond their regular vicinity.
Pet trackers help pet owners monitor their pets and determine when they are going beyond locations deemed safe. In pet trackers with geo-fencing capabilities, owners are alerted once pets cross virtual boundaries set by owners on the map.
3.Surveillance
Surveillance can pose an issue for pet owners who often take their pets to public places such as beaches and parks. Pet trackers allow pet owners keep a continuous eye on their pets no matter the situation. Whether at home or out, pets are always tabbed.
Who Makes Pet Trackers?
There are a number of manufacturers for pet trackers. These companies are known to manufacture wearable devices such as smartwatches, child trackers, and broad spectrum smart wear.
Some of the well-known manufacturers include:
- Trax
- Findster
- Whistle
- Tractive
Key takeaways when choosing a SIM plan
The IoT is here, both on a large scale (smart cities) and small scale (consumer products). It’s a growing market and one that gives us devices that keep us and our families safer. Look for small, low-cost plans with small amounts of data, as it’s likely you won’t need much if you’re connecting a child’s smartwatch or pet tracker. Dashcams will likely need a much higher data allowance, so it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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