Question ? How much internet do you need a month If you are paying for 9 GB a month and only using 1 GB a month you are better using $140 for 16 BG , If you are using 9 GB per month it is costing $5 a GB compared with $8.50 a GB using the $140 for 16 GB plan . , But if you are only using 4 GB per month on the Aldi plan it is costing you $11.25 a GB . So get out your pencil and paper and do the sums .

I use about 8GB /month so Aldi is cheaper but am more concerned about actual network access when outback

I have been told that Aldi and other are using Telstra old network that they are not now using . So they are not telling Fibs but are not using Telstra updated network . So hope someone who is using Aldi network in the bush can tell you.

My understanding is that they use the Telstra network but a Telstra customer (number) will get priority on the network. So you could end up with slow or no cover at times or even cutt off mid use. Maybe do a seach above as I think I have seen that mentioned on the forum too. I looked into Aldi many moons ago and found out what I have said. I stayed with Telstra in the end.

I think the "16Gb for $140" may be referring to the plan that allow the data to be used over a 2 year period rather than a monthly plan.
This is ideal for occasional use without a plan.

Weedpharma

I think Aldi now uses telstra 4g network ?

I have a duel sim phone with Aldi and Optus sim cards and have experienced problems occasionally with Aldi, either "no service" or "emergency service only" whilst in a known telstra reception area. I purchased a very cheap "Blue Tick" phone locked to Telstra and with the Aldi sim card inserted have no issues with reception whatsoever....maybe worth pursuing.

I see on Telstra website they have a data only plan 10 GB $55 a month

I asked an Aldi manager recently and he told me they use Telstra but not with the full Telstra coverage throughout the country - ok for metro and fringe areas, but on a par with Optus and Vodafone

I live in a country town 200k from Newcastle nsw 100k from Tamworth and I have been on Aldi from its inception. I have never had an issue here or anywhere I have been with it so far, I use a mini router with the sim in it and never had no internet. Iphone 5 has worked also every where with Aldi. Maybe there are dead spots compared to Telstra but I don't need internet 100% of the time on the road, I like to smell the roses so to speak.

As Molly Meldrum was heard to say; do yourself a favour.

Go to a Telstra store and you'll find that they can offer you plans that you won't find on their website.

I wandered in, making lots of grumbling noises, with a laptop dongle plan and two mobile phone plans.
The three plans were ok (sort of), but the data was inadequate for the lady in the van's mobile phone and we were always getting hit with $10 for extra data.
I, on the other hand had data that I didn't use and was wasting.

I walked out with a Data Share Plan with enough data for our needs on a for all three devices.

Comprises;
a Go Mobile BYO Plan $50.00 per month (2.5 GB indicated)
a Companion Plan $35.00 per month (1.0 GB " )
a Data Share Sim Plan $5.00 per month (access cost)

Ask about the $10.00 monthly Loyalty discount (if eligible).

The data shown on their leaflets can be negotiated upward.
The indicated total of 3.5 GB was negotiated up to well north of that.

I'm now a happy caravanner.

This subject comes up a fair bit. I just compared Aldi map with the Telstra map.
Aldi seems to use about 90% of the telstra network. It doesnt cover some outback areas such as the nullabor. Boost uses about 40% of the telstra network.
I use Aldi and they have great plans. I have found them to be reliable and very good coverage. If they do the job for you use them, if not just pay the extra.
Another option might be to get a cheap prepaid telsta mobile for just a few months if you did a trip in the areas not covered by Aldi.