Catch Connect telco to continue after discount retailer closure

As announced by Wesfarmers this morning, discount online retailer Catch.com.au will stop trading in the wake of ongoing operating losses. So, where does that leave Catch Connect, the retailer’s associated phone plan provider?

Overnight, competing Optus mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Amaysim announced an acquisition of Circles Life. However, the same fate doesn’t appear to be on the cards for Catch Connect.

For the time being, current customers won’t see any impact from Catch’s upcoming closure. An FAQ section on Catch.com.au explains that because Optus provides the service, no changes are expected.

In a statement to GadgetGuy, Anthony Shiner, Managing Director of Customer Solutions at Optus, reassured customers that separate ownership means the telco will continue.

“Catch Connect Mobile is owned and run separately from Catch.com.au, and is not impacted by the recent announcement that Catch.com.au will cease trading effective 30 April 2025,” Shiner said. “Catch Connect Mobile will continue to offer great value products and exceptional customer service.”

“There are no changes to your Catch Connect Mobile service at this time. New customers can still purchase plans from catchconnect.com.au. Existing customers can continue to use and recharge their services without disruption.”

It’s likely to be a relief to existing customers, considering the Optus-run telco consistently sells some of Australia’s cheapest SIM plans, notably in the long-expiry 365-day category.

For comparison, here are the current cheapest long-expiry SIM plans:

Wesfarmers acquired Catch in 2019, with the recent decision to cease trading linked to strong competition. With the online retailer component closing down, Kmart will take over Catch’s fulfilment centres, said to be currently operating at “less than 50 per cent”.

At this stage, it’ll be business as usual for Catch Connect.

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