Gold Coast mobile phone business Travelsim Australia falls into administration after taking hit from COVID-19
A fight is on to save a COVID-19 hit Gold Coast mobile-phone business that services travellers around the world.
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A FIGHT is on to save a COVID-19 hit Gold Coast mobile-phone business that services travellers around the world.
Jamien Zimmermann, who founded Travelsim Australia 14 years ago, has called in a voluntary administrator who is continuing to run the business.
Jason Bettles, of Worrells, said the company provided SIM cards for both international and domestic markets and had up to 20,000 current and inactive customers.
The cards, sold in Australia Post shops and online, use Optus services.
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Travelsim owes $2.007 million, with Optus the major creditor at $1.36 million.
Mr Bettles said the company’s TravelSIM and FlexiSIM products were rechargeable services that worked with existing handsets by providing a new Australian mobile number on a SIM card.
He said director Mr Zimmermann’s difficult decision to appoint a voluntary administrator followed a range of external pressures, but the main driver was the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“Traditionally this time of year sees many Australians flock overseas to enjoy the European summer but the enforced travel ban across the globe has decimated demand.
“Normally Travelsim would have 20 people on phones at its Miami base to deal with customers around the world.
“Now, at the company’s peak time there’s no business because there’s no travel.”
Mr Bettles said the administration was in its infancy.
“Our goal, together with the director, is to navigate through this incredibly difficult period to get the best possible result for the business, its customers and creditors.
“The TravelSIM and FlexiSIM services will continue uninterrupted and with ongoing support to customers.”
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