While the vast majority of Australians access mobile data on their smartphones, other devices such as iPads, tablets, laptops, and dongles are offering SIM slots that allow them to directly connect to the internet. Most Telcos now offer SIMs to meet that need, although price and value very widely between companies.
If you have a compatible device, data-only SIMs will allow you to get online. Moose Mobile are a newcomer on the market, with low-cost, high-value plans available on a month-by-month basis with no lock-in contracts.
Moose Mobile
Moose Mobile operate using the Optus 4G and 3G networks to offer high speed mobile data. They provide options for mobile customers who only use their phone infrequently, with their lowest plan starting at $8 per month. There is also a plan for people who use large amounts of data – for $78 a month, customers can access 90 GB of mobile data on their phone.
Moose mobile plans are SIM-only, and payments are made at the end of the month. The company sticks to the basics; while global roaming and international calls are available for an impressive number of countries around the world, the rates are not nearly as competitive as other companies. Moose Mobile have a simple structure and they do it well, with the overwhelming majority of customers leaving positive reviews.
Moose Mobile Data-Only plans
Moose mobile data-only packs are for use in devices like laptops, tablets and dongles that accept a SIM card. They offer strictly data-only services, so no calls or SMS can be made from your device when using this kind of SIM. The service is available on a month-by-month plan, with no charges for cancelling. Moose Mobile send out reminders to their customers when they reach 50%, 80% and 100% to help keep data usage within agreed limits.
Excess data is billed at 1.5 cents per MB, which equals $15 for an extra 1 GB. The most common strategy for phone companies is to charge a flat $10 fee for using more than your data allowance, which gets you an extra 1 GB. However, Moose Mobile bill the extra data usage in 1 KB increments instead of an automatic $10 charge, which could save you money if you restrict your usage once you get close to going over the limit.
Moose mobile data pack features
- SIM-only plans.
Moose do offer low-cost devices but their data plans are SIM-only. - Month-by-month plans.
All plans with Moose Mobile are post-paid, meaning you pay at the end of the month. There are no lock-in contracts or cancellation fees. - No lump sum for excess data.
If you go over your allowance, the extra data is charged at 1.5c per MB ($15 per GB) in 1 KB increments, instead of a flat $10 fee for an extra 1 GB. - Stay on top of your usage.
Moose Mobile send notifications when you reach 50%, 85% and 100% of your usage to help you stay on track. - Extra information is always available.
Track your usage via the website or the app. Your data usage can take 60 minutes to be recorded, but that’s fairly impressive compared to a 48 hour delay from some companies.
Choosing a Data-Only Plan
Moose Mobile are definitely competitive when it comes to their data-only plans, but it does depend on exactly how much data you want and what you’re willing to pay. For example, you can get 5 GB for $18 a month with Moose, with the same amount of data costing you $25 per month with Amaysim. But Moose charges $78 per month for 70 GB, whereas for only $70 per month Amaysim offer 100 GB of data.
Basically, the best provider depends on your data needs and your budget, and it’s always worth shopping around. There are many different calculators online that can help you estimate your data usage to assist your decision-making process. If you do decide to go with Moose, you are choosing a company that uses Optus’s high-speed networks, offers affordable plans and has a high customer satisfaction rating.