SIM & Data Guide

The short version: a 4G trail camera needs a SIM card with a bit of data, the same as a phone. For most people that costs $10 to $15 a month on prepaid, and there is no subscription with us.

Which network?

• Whichever one works where the camera will stand. Walk to the spot with a phone and look at the bars. That beats any coverage map.
• In rural Australia the Telstra network generally reaches furthest, which makes it the first one to check. Optus and Vodafone can be stronger in some districts.
• Cheaper brands that resell the Telstra network (such as Aldi Mobile, Belong or Woolworths Everyday Mobile) use the Telstra wholesale network, which covers a little less ground than Telstra's own. Boost Mobile uses the full Telstra network. If signal at your spot is marginal, that difference can matter.
• Always check the carrier's own coverage map for your address before you buy a SIM.

How much data?

• Photo alerts only: 500MB to 1GB a month is plenty for most gates, sheds and game trails.
• Short video clips or regular live view: allow 2GB to 5GB a month.
• A busy camera (a public road, a windy paddock full of stock) uses more. Turn the sensitivity down or set active hours and the data use drops.

Three things that catch people out

1. Turn off the SIM PIN first. Put the SIM in a phone, switch the PIN lock off in settings, then move it to the camera.
2. Activate the SIM before you put it in the camera. Prepaid SIMs need activating online or by phone, and it can take a few hours.
3. Use a data or standard prepaid SIM, not a phone plan with a locked device. Any standard size adapts: nano, micro or full.

Old 3G camera stopped working?

Australia's 3G networks were switched off in late 2024. Cameras that sent photos over 3G stopped sending that day, even if they still take pictures to the card. Every KelpieCam cellular camera runs on 4G.

Stuck? Email support@kelpiecam.com and we'll sort it out with you.