Description
A 4G data SIM for IoT devices — one-off payment, 1 to 8 years.
The FinchTel IoT SIM card is a long-term 4G LTE data SIM for compatible connected devices in Australia, including sensors, meters, controllers and other equipment that reports over mobile data. Choose a monthly data allowance (100MB to 2GB) and a plan length (1 to 8 years). The plan runs for the full term with a one-off payment — no monthly fees, no recharges and no auto-renewals.
| Network | Telstra + Optus 4G access (multi-network) |
| Network technology | 4G LTE; LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT not supported |
| Coverage | Australia |
| Data allowance | 100MB – 2GB per month (select above) |
| Plan duration | 1 – 8 years (select above) |
| Payment | One-off — no monthly fees or auto-renewal |
| Calls & SMS | Not supported — data only |
| SIM size | Triple-cut: Standard, Micro and Nano |
| Activation | Plan validity starts when the SIM first connects to the network |
| If the allowance runs out | Data pauses until the next month — no excess charges |
| Unused data | Does not roll over to the next month |
Will this SIM work with my device?
It may be suitable if your device:
- Uses standard 4G LTE and supports the LTE bands used where it will operate in Australia
- Has a removable physical SIM slot
- Uses standard mobile data for normal operation
- Does not need SMS or voice for normal ongoing operation
Not suitable for:
- 2G or 3G-only hardware — Australia's 3G networks have been shut down
- LTE-M (Cat-M1)-only or NB-IoT-only devices
- Devices without a removable physical SIM slot
- Devices restricted to a proprietary SIM or provider service
- Devices that require voice or SMS for normal ongoing operation
- Continuous video streaming or other sustained high-volume uses
"4G" or "IoT" on a product label does not confirm which LTE technology or bands a device uses — check the cellular specification for your exact model. Unsure? Contact us with the brand and model before ordering.
Looking for a more specific SIM?
- GPS or vehicle tracker → GPS Tracker SIM Card
- Telemetry or monitoring equipment at remote and field sites → Remote Monitoring SIM
- Compatible general sensors, meters and controllers → this IoT SIM
Choosing a data allowance
Monthly data use depends on how often the device reports, the size of each reading or payload, platform check-ins, connection retries in weak coverage, diagnostics and any firmware or software traffic. More frequent reporting and larger payloads need a larger allowance.
If you already know the device's monthly usage — for example from its platform or a trial installation — choose an allowance above that figure to leave headroom. If not, our IoT SIM guide explains how to estimate it.
Plan length: 1 year for trials and short projects; 3 years for project-length deployments; 5 or 8 years for longer-term installations where a longer service period is preferred.
What's included
- 1 × triple-cut 4G SIM card (fits Standard, Micro and Nano slots)
- SIM ejector pin and setup instructions
- Free standard shipping Australia-wide from our Melbourne warehouse
- Device not included
How it works
- Select your monthly data allowance and plan duration above.
- Your SIM ships free from our Melbourne warehouse.
- Insert the SIM and follow the setup instructions supplied with it. The plan starts from the SIM's first network connection, not the order date — so you can order ahead of an installation.
Telstra + Optus 4G network access
This is a multi-network SIM: it can access both the Telstra and Optus 4G networks. The network used depends on availability and service conditions at the device's location — relevant for equipment installed at rural properties, industrial sites and other locations where coverage varies between networks. Check coverage for the installation location before deploying.
One-off payment compared with other plan types
| Payment | Monthly plans: recurring billing while the service continues. Short-term prepaid plans: another recharge or purchase may be needed when the validity period ends. | FinchTel: one-off payment for the selected 1–8 year term |
| Cost per device | Depends on how long the service runs | Fixed at purchase for the selected term |
Rolling out several devices?
- One SIM per cellular connection — each device that connects with its own modem needs its own SIM and plan
- Each plan runs independently from the day that SIM first connects — practical when units go into service at different times
- Each SIM has its own monthly allowance — data is not pooled across SIMs
- Order in bulk at checkout; one payment covers each device for its full term
- Larger deployments: contact us before ordering
FAQ
What should I compare when choosing an IoT SIM in Australia?
Start with the device: its LTE technology (standard LTE, or LTE-M/NB-IoT), supported bands and SIM format. Then compare network access at the installation sites, the monthly data allowance and what happens when it runs out, whether SMS is needed, the plan term and pricing model, and the total cost over the planned service period. Our IoT SIM guide covers each point in detail.
Is this a multi-network IoT SIM?
Yes. The SIM can access both the Telstra and Optus 4G networks. The network used depends on availability and service conditions at the device's location.
Can I use this for an M2M device?
It can suit compatible machine-to-machine devices that use standard 4G LTE, accept a removable physical SIM and operate over mobile data. Each FinchTel SIM has its own monthly allowance; data is not pooled across SIMs.
When does the plan start counting down?
From the day the SIM first connects to the network inside your device — not from the day you order.
Does this SIM have monthly fees?
No. The selected plan term is covered by a one-off payment. There are no monthly fees or automatic renewals.
What happens if the device uses its monthly allowance?
Data pauses for the rest of that month and resumes with the next monthly allowance. Unused data does not roll over, and there are no excess usage charges.
Does this SIM support LTE-M (Cat-M1) or NB-IoT?
No. This SIM is for compatible standard 4G LTE devices with a physical SIM and standard mobile data. LTE-M and NB-IoT-only devices need a service built for those technologies.
Can I order SIMs for several devices?
Yes — select the quantity at checkout. Each SIM's plan runs from its own first connection. For larger deployments, contact us before ordering.
What happens when the plan term ends?
Data service ends when the term finishes. Plans are extendable — contact us before expiry to extend service on the same SIM.
Is there a version for New Zealand?
Yes — see the IoT SIM Card New Zealand.
Learn more
- → How to choose an IoT SIM in Australia — what to compare across technology, coverage, data and plan terms
- → GPS Tracker SIM Card Australia — for compatible vehicle and asset trackers
- → Remote Monitoring SIM — for telemetry and monitoring equipment at remote and field sites
- → Remote Monitoring SIM Guide — deploying connectivity at remote sites
- → All Device SIMs