Aldi Mobile use the Telstra network, however, Aldi have decided to cut-off low data GPS and such use from their network SIM cards, as it seems there isn’t enough money it for them.
Last year I purchased another Ultimate9 Livetrack GPS unit for our new camper trailer. I say another because I run them in our cars too. Our cars use the older 3G models, which I’m unsure whether will work beyond mid 2024 when Telstra stop 3G. Apparently they may still allow certain network access for emergency systems, which includes low data GPS. If not, we have to upgrade both of those units to the new 4G one that I installed in the camper.
Enter our issue. Now… Ultimate9 ship with Aldi SIM’s, yet talking to Ultimate9 on the phone to rectify my issue, they said they asked all their suppliers to remove the Aldi SIM’s from boxes before shipping. This was stated to resellers prior to my purchase, but it seems 4WD 24/7 didn’t care about that notice, instead shipping them out with the Aldi SIM’s which will not work, EVER, in any 4G GPS device.
Talking to the rep at Ultimate9, after I had followed all their online and manual steps to fault find the issue, including getting a new SIM, which was another ALDI one, he informed me that Aldi Mobile decided to cease supporting all low data usage, believed to come about because there just wasn’t enough money in it for them to do so. I guess a lot of companies where using their $5 SIM with their products for low data use, thus Aldi not making any money with monthly recharge.
Really shitty move Aldi Mobile!
Oh… huge thanks to Ultimate9 sales for telling me about the issue and how to quickly resolve it.
In discussion, followed by looking through all the providers myself, its come down to one of two options. Amaysim apparently had some special offer, but I couldn’t find it, or Telstra. I know, of all the providers, they’re actually the better option. Go figure! Telstra have a 6 month renew casual prepaid plan, and after getting the $2 SIM from a shop, going through the activation process, that fixed the issue and my GPS suddenly worked as intended.
Aldi Mobile sucks! Telstra Mobile win!
Now I wait until 30th June 2024, whether the disconnection of 3G includes low data GPS and emergency systems using it. If not, YEH! If so, BOO, and I will have to purchase two new 4G devices with Telstra plans to run in the cars going forward.