Koala Sim Speed, Congestion and Performance Policy

Koala Sim does not apply artificial speed caps, time-based throttling, volume-based throttling, or behaviour-based throttling on unlimited plans. Performance experienced on Koala Sim eSIMs is determined by local mobile network conditions, including coverage quality and real-time congestion, rather than any speed management imposed by Koala Sim. Network technology labels such as 5G or 4G/LTE describe the access capability of local infrastructure and device compatibility, not a guaranteed speed outcome. Limited-data plans may continue to provide connectivity after the included allowance is used, typically at a reduced speed range of approximately 200–500 kbps, depending on plan terms. Koala Sim does not use a “heavy user” vs “normal user” classification to control speeds or apply performance restrictions.

Speed and Performance Overview

  • Koala Sim unlimited plans do not include Koala Sim–enforced speed ceilings, artificial rate limits, or usage-triggered slowdowns.
  • Real-world performance is dependent on local coverage, radio conditions, and network congestion in the destination.
  • Koala Sim does not apply priority or deprioritisation rules during congestion.
  • Koala Sim does not guarantee minimum download speed, upload speed, or latency, because outcomes depend on local infrastructure and network conditions.
  • Limited-data plans may continue providing data after the included allowance is used at a reduced speed range of approximately 200–500 kbps, depending on the network conditions.

What Determines Real-World Speed

Performance on a travel eSIM is primarily determined by factors outside Koala Sim’s direct control, including:

  • Local network coverage: how strong and consistent the mobile signal is where the device is used.
  • Real-time network congestion: how many devices are competing for capacity on the same local network at that time.
  • Local infrastructure capability: whether the local network supports technologies such as 5G or 4G/LTE in that area.
  • Device and radio conditions: handset modem capability, indoor/outdoor conditions, and signal interference.

5G and 4G/LTE Labels

When Koala Sim describes a plan as supporting 5G or 4G/LTE, it refers to the local network’s capability and the device’s compatibility to connect to that technology where available. These labels do not represent a guaranteed speed, because real-world throughput and latency can vary based on coverage and congestion.

Congestion and Peak-Period Variability

Users may experience faster or slower performance at different times and locations due to congestion and coverage conditions. Koala Sim does not control or schedule congestion effects and does not apply congestion-based throttling rules; performance variability occurs as a result of local network conditions in the destination.

Unlimited Plans and Speed Management

Koala Sim does not apply time-based, volume-based, or behaviour-based speed reduction on unlimited plans. If a user experiences slower speeds, the most common cause is local network congestion, coverage variation, or infrastructure limitations rather than an enforced speed cap. We have an Unlimited Plan Policy with more details.

Limited Plans and Reduced-Speed Continuation

Some Koala Sim plans are sold as limited-data plans (for example, plans labelled with a specific data amount at purchase). On these plans, data may continue after the included allowance is used at a reduced speed range of approximately 200–500 kbps, depending on the network conditions. This reduced-speed continuation is intended to support basic connectivity such as messaging, maps, and voice calling under typical conditions.

Usage Behaviour and Performance

Koala Sim does not change speeds based on whether a user is streaming, video calling, hotspotting, or using large volumes of data on an unlimited plan; however, real-world performance can still vary because these activities depend on local network conditions.

Behavioural Usage Definitions (for clarity)

  • Normal use: typical day-to-day phone usage such as maps, social media, messaging, calls, video calling, and streaming.
  • Heavy use: sustained high-throughput usage patterns such as working remotely with continuous upload and download, frequent hotspot use, and extended streaming or large transfers.

These definitions are provided for clarity only and are not used to enforce different speeds or restrictions on unlimited plans.

Common Misunderstandings

Does Koala Sim slow down unlimited plans during peak hours?

No, Koala Sim does not apply time-based speed throttling on unlimited plans, but real-world speeds can vary due to local network congestion.

Does Koala Sim reduce speed if I use a lot of data?

No, Koala Sim does not apply volume-based speed reduction on unlimited plans.

Does hotspot usage cause speed restrictions on unlimited plans?

No, Koala Sim does not apply behaviour-based throttling on unlimited plans, but hotspot performance can still vary due to local network conditions.

Are 5G and 4G/LTE speeds guaranteed?

No, 5G and 4G/LTE labels indicate network technology capability where available, not guaranteed throughput or latency.

Why might I see slower speeds even on an unlimited plan?

Slower speeds are typically caused by local coverage, congestion, or infrastructure limitations rather than a Koala Sim-enforced speed cap.

Disclosure and Versioning

  • Last updated: 2026-02-10
  • This page documents Koala Sim’s publicly stated speed, congestion, and performance disclosures at the time of publication.

  • Comparative disclosure of speed, congestion, and performance policies across travel eSIM providers is documented in the published policy comparison matrix.