Telstra have launched their IoT network, leveraging off their exisiting mobile phone coverage.
It works using their own Captis Pulse device with inbuilt SIM and antenna to connect to the IoT netowork with the device visible back at their Cloud service, the Telstra Wireless M2M Control Centre.
Here is a link to their Captis IoT module specification sheet where you will see it has 2 digital inputs and runs on a Lithium battery.
Something to consider for remote location that are covered by the Telstra network. You can register for more information HERE