National Anthem
Basics[]
Providers[]
The Republic of South Africa has 4 network operators:
- Vodacom
- MTN
- Cell C
- Telkom (formely 8ta)
- Rain (data only)
This is supplemented by Hello Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Trace Mobile and some other MVNOs running on the Cell C network. MTN had recently expressed interest to host MVNOs and have thus partnered with Afrihost, a leading South African ISP launching Air Mobile. Another 4G/LTE operator called Neotel focuses on home broadband and triple play only. That's why it's not mentioned any further.
In 2017 there were more than 90 million subscribers on South African networks. 45% of them used Vodacom, 35% MTN, 16% Cell C and less than 4% Telkom.
Frequencies and coverage[]
The 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies deliver 2G for all operators with 3G offered on 900 MHz and 2100 MHz except for Telkom using 850 MHz. 4G/LTE was launched in 2012 on 1800 (B3) MHz in major centres by Vodacom and MTN and more recently on 2300 MHz (TD-LTE, B40) and 1800 MHz (B3) on Telkom and 2100 MHz (B1) and 1800 MHz (B3) on Cell C.
Vodacom followed by MTN have the best coverage and speeds in the country. Cell C and Telkom are far behind, but both have a national roaming agreement with either Vodacom or MTN for coverage in areas outside their own footprint. These agreements only refer to 2G and 3G, but not to 4G/LTE. So if you need fast data, they might not be such a good solution outside of city centres.
Availability and registration[]
Prepaid SIM cards are available in provider outlets, airports and almost all retail chain stores usually at R5 or less. Since 2009 all SIM cards need to be registered before activation by a RICA agent with registration usually done at the point of purchase. RICA stands for the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act 70 of 2002, which is the SIM registration scheme and requires an ID card or passport and a proof of residence.
You don't need to go to a store of the providers to get your RICA as many supermarkets can perform the same task much faster. Some users have been rejected because officially you need a home address and have to prove it, which can't be done with most passports. Many RICA agents take your hotel or B&B address in South Africa instead. A few may insist on a permanent home address though and you might think of bringing along something official like an ID card with your name and address or a hotel reservation to get approved.
Top-ups[]
The SIM card needs to be recharged with airtime value to make calls and purchase bundles. Many plans may give you "free" airtime, but this can't be used to purchase bundles. You can recharge at most retail stores including: Clicks, CNA, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Edgars, Jet, Legit, Mr Price, Pep Stores, Pick ‘n Pay, Shoprite Checkers, Spar, Woolworths and Ster Kinekor and the petrol stations of BP, Caltex, Engen, Total, Sasol and Shell.
https://myairtime.co.za/ is also a convenient way to top-up online via credit card.
New regulations[]
By 2018 all providers are required to allow subscribers to roll over unused data or transfer it to another user on the same network according to new rule by the regulator. Additionally, the new regulations will not allow operators to charge out-of-bundle tariffs without first obtaining consent from subscribers. Mobile networks in South Africa will be required to send bundle depletion notices to customers at 50%, 80% and 100% depletion, and require an opt-in from subscribers to continue charging for the services.
More info[]
South Africa has the usual 220 V / 50 Hz electricty supply, but uses an unusual type M macro-shaped plug. You will need to bring or buy an special adaptor to convert to this special plug. All mobile phones in South Africa use a euro-style plug for the charger. Euro plug adaptors and chargers are available in phone shops for around R100 in the country.
More information can be found on the bundlfundi website with further advice for travellers and different prepaid plans compared. They are highly recommmended for more information.
Vodacom[]
Vodacom is the biggest mobile provider in South Africa and is 50% owned by UK-based Vodafone. It’s the market leader with the most customers, and good coverage (coverage map) at the highest prices.
In an independent network test in 2017, Vodacom was placed top in all six categories and achieved the overall highest score. Vodacom’s 2G network covers 99% of the country’s population, with 3G at 99% and 4G at 80% in 2018 which is the widest coverage of the country’s mobile network operators.
Their tourist line B4IGO has been terminated. If you want a SIM card for a premium before travel check out this Vodacom reseller: https://b4i.travel/za/
Availability[]
Their regular prepaid SIM cards are available in all of their outlets (Vodacom Store Locator) for around R5 as well as most supermarkets, including Woolworths in the airports of Johannesburg and Capetown. There is a Vodacom store in OR Tambo International Airport (on the right after leaving baggage claim area). Note that a starter kit can be as low as R1 in some shops and high as R100 at the airports. But there, they can help you with setting up and are open after hours too.
Vodacom offers a large variety of price plans and the Vodacom Prepaid 79c Plan is the easiest, best value plan for voice calls. At the airport they carry the regular SIMs too, albeit for a significant premium (the Vodacom shop at O.R. Tambo airport charged R100 for the SIM alone in April 2016).
RICA registration at the airport is quick as they are used to registering tourists with a passport and proof of accomodation. Most supermarkets have the equipment to register SIM cards (look for 'RICA agent' sign). Most retail outlets carry three-in-one SIM sizes.
Vodacom will disconnect a prepaid SIM card "if the Service has not been used by you for a period in excess of 120 days (four months)" according to the terms and conditions.
Top-ups can be made at almost any retail outlet.
Data feature packages[]
A variety of monthly packs for data is available and offered in both a recurring and a once-off version at the same price. The default rate out of bundle or for overuse is R0.89 - R0.99 per MB.
- daily packages (valid until midnight):
- 20 MB: R5
- 60 MB: R9
- 100 MB: R15
- 250 MB: R27
- 1 GB: R29
- weekly packages (for 7 days):
- 100 MB: R17
- 250 MB: R35
- 500 MB: R60
- 1 GB: R0
- 2 GB: R20
- fortnight package (for 14 days):
- 1 GB: R100
- monthly packages (for 30 days):
- 50 MB: R12
- 150 MB: R29
- 325 MB: R55
- 500 MB: R79
- 1 GB: R99
- 3 GB: R229
- 5 GB: R349
- 10 GB: R469
- 20 GB: R699
You can activate all these bundles on your Vodacom account or by typing *135# and follow the menu options. Balance check is also available through *135# and the menu option (direct codes see further down).
Note that it can be cheaper to obtain a SIM, add only credit, and then add the data package via the Vodacom app or online. Vodacom is often running a “Personalised Double Your Data” promotion through its smartphone app, where subscribers are given double data at least on certain bundles. This promotion varies depending on the customer and day however and the bonus data is not fixed.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Balance check: *136# (airtime only) or *135*502# (airtime, data, SMS, etc.)
- Your number: *135*501#
- Website: https://www.vodacom.co.za
- Pre-purchased SIM cards for a premium: https://b4i.travel/za/
MTN[]
MTN is a multinational mobile phone company based in South Africa and the biggest rival of Vodacom. Its network and speeds are on par (Coverage map). MTN launched 4G/LTE in 2014 and covers 90% of population in 2018. MTN is the only provider that roams in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), if you should travel there.
There are network tests from the likes of MyBroadband.za that now show MTN in the lead as far as coverage and data speeds are concerned. At least the MTN network has been improved a lot during the last few years and now rivals with Vodacom for the top spot.
Availablility[]
MTN SIM cards are 4G/LTE enabled and available in all their stores (MTN Store Finder) and many supermarkets sometimes for as low as R1.50, but usually R5. It's easiest to complete the RICA registration in one of their stores.
There is a MTN store in OR Tambo International Airport, on the right after leaving the baggage reclaim area. In July 2016, it was R63.50 for the SIM with R60 credit, plus the price of the regular data bundle of your choice. They are used to tourists and will activate the SIM and data bundle for you. You will need your passport and a proof of accommodation.
The prepaid SIM card is called PayAsYouGo. It offers multiple voice plans, data plans and international bundles. By default the cards are activated with the "Base Plan". You can switch to the "79c/min price plan" officially called Pay Per Second (by dialing *141*4*4#) as it's their most competitive and simple price plan and cheaper in every aspect than the Base Plan.
Reload vouchers are available at most retail stores and service stations. Common voucher denominations are R5, R10, R15, R30, R60 or R180.
Their different prepaid tariff plans all charge between R0.99 and R2 per MB where no bundle is purchased or for overuse. MTN offers a wide variety of data bundles, that normally don't renew.
In 2018 the heavily promoted Mass SIM card was launched. “South Africans now double-up their airtime and data bundles when recharging with MTN’s new Mass SIM for R5 or more". But there are catches attached to double airtime and data. Mass SIM is available only to new MTN prepaid customers, and the bonus airtime and data bundles are valid for only 24 hours once activated.
Feature packages (updated 15 Feb 2023):[]
Voice and Data "Combo" packages
- Daily (expire at 23:59 on the day of purchase):
- R5: 50MB anytime + 50 MB nightly + 8 minutes
- R20: 120MB anytime + 120MB nightly + 120MB video streaming + 15 minutes
- R29: 500MB anytime + 500MB nightly + 500MB Video streaming + 30 minutes
- R39: 1GB anytime + 1GB nightly + 1GB Video streaming + 50 minutes
- Weekly (expire at 23:59 on the 7th day of purchase):
- R25: 150MB anytime + 150MB nightly + 150MB video streaming + 15 minutes
- R49: 350MB anytime + 350MB nightly + 300MB video streaming + 30 minutes
- R60: 500MB anytime + 500MB nightly + 500MB video streaming + 50 minutes
- R79: 1GB anytime + 1GB nightly + 1GB video streaming + 70 minutes
- R149: 3GB anytime + 3GB nightly + 3GB video streaming + 200 minutes
- R229: 5GB anytime + 5GB nightly + 5GB video streaming + 300 minutes
- Monthly (expire at 23:59 on the 30th day of purchase)
- R79: 400MB anytime + 400MB nightly + 200MB video streaming + 50 minutes
- R99: 750MB anytime + 750MB nightly + 500MB video streaming + 60 minutes
- R169: 1,5GB anytime + 1,5GB nightly + 1,5GB video streaming + 100 minutes
- R229: 2,5GB anytime + 2,5GB nightly + 2,5GB video streaming + 200 minutes
- R399: 5GB anytime + 5GB nightly + 5GB video streaming + 400 minutes
- R699: 20GB anytime + 20GB nightly + 20GB video streaming + 600 minutes
- R999: 30GB anytime + 30GB nightly + 30GB video streaming + 800 minutes
Customers can purchase the MTN Combo Offers by dialling *136*2# or in store. Night Data Bundle are available to use between 00:00 – 05:00AM. Video bundles can be used to access Netflix and Shomax for viewing videos only.
Data "MTN BozzaGigs LTE" packages (valid for 30 days):
- R99: 5 GB anytime + 5 GB nightly
- R129: 7.5 GB anytime + 7.5 GB nightly
- R149: 10 GB anytime + 10 GB nightly
MTN BonzaGigs LTE packages are available from 21st April 2021 to new prepaid customers within 30 days of SIM activation. Migration to BonzaGigs LTE can be completed at an MTN store, by calling customer service on 135, or dialling *137#.
Tourist SIM[]
MTN South Africa has launched MTN Traveller Bundles aimed at tourists. The bundles available are 10 GB for R449 and 20 GB for R799. The prepaid packages are exclusive available at selected MTN Stores at OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports.
MTN Traveller Bundles are valid for 30 days from date of activation. Customers are required to present their valid passport and seat number or flight ticket when purchasing the SIM card.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Website: https://www.mtn.co.za
Cell C[]
Cell C is the 3rd operator in South Africa. It claims to cover 98% of population, but still has gaps in certain areas: Cell C Coverage Map. Cell C started a price war in 2011 by undercutting its rivals, but most operators now offer comparable price plans. Cell C is only cheaper when you use their confusing portfolio of bonuses. They offer the cheapest data prices in the country with some of their data bundles lasting 180 days (R500 for 50 GB) and 365 days (R1999 for 200 GB)
Cell C used to roam on the Vodacom network outside areas of their own coverage for free, but this applied to 2G and 3G only, not to 4G/LTE. In 2018 Cell C announced it has entered into a far-reaching roaming agreement with MTN in order to complement Cell C's own mobile network. The agreement will see MTN providing both 3G and 4G services to Cell C in areas where Cell C has chosen to purchase coverage rather than self-build, mainly outside of the main metro areas.
4G/LTE was rolled out in Gauteng and Durban on 2100 MHz (B1) to be spread to 1800 MHz (B3) in other centers of the country. After the new roaming deal with MTN Cell C says its network service offering is at 99% 2G coverage, 96% 3G coverage and 80% 4G/LTE coverage of the population.
Availability[]
The starter pack is sold in their stores for 99c (Cell C Store Locator) and you can choose different base plans:
- 66c Price Plan has the simplest and cheapest default rate and the lowest out of bundle data rate of R0.15 per MB
- SupaCharge Plan that gives you high recharge bonus as data and on-net mins with limited validity. Out of bundle rate is a high R1.10 per MB
- MegaData Bundle Plan where recharges of R50 or more get you bonus data (3 times the recharge value, but can't be used to purchase data) with limited validity capped at 3 GB. Default rate is at R1.10 per MB.
- Bhansela Data Plan: for a recharge of R20 or more in a calendar month, you get 50 MB bonus data (valid for 7 days) and an out-of-bundle data rate of R0.35 per MB for the remainder of the calendar month.
Data feature packages[]
To all plans mentioned above these data bundles can be activated by dialling *147#:
- day packages (valid from midnight to midnight)
- 25 MB: R4
- 65 MB: R9
- 120 MB: R14
- 500 MB: R20
- 1 GB: R25
- night packages (valid 1am to 7am only) for one night:
- 250 MB: R6
- 1 GB: R15
- 5-day bundles:
- 80 MB: R12
- 250 MB: R25
- 600 MB: R50
- 1 GB: R80
- 2.2 GB: R100
- monthly packages (for 30 days with roll-over when a new pack is bought):
- 15 MB: R5
- 40 MB: R12
- 65 MB: R20
- 100 MB: R29
- 300 MB: R49
- 750 MB: R100
- 1.5 GB: R149
- 3 GB: R249
- 5 GB: R299
- 7 GB: R399
- 10 GB: R599
- 90-day bundles:
- 10 GB: R499
- 20 GB: R799
- 30 GB: R899
- 40 GB: R1199
- 100 GB: R2999
- 6-month packages:
- 50 GB: R500
- yearly packages:
- 10 GB: R599
- 20 GB: R799
- 30 GB: R899
- 50 GB: R1099
- 100 GB: R1599
- 200 GB: R1999
WhatsApp package (without VoIP call included) for one month: 600 MB for R7.50
To activate bundles, dial *109# or *147#. Only 30 day bundles allow roll over of unused allowances to the next month if a new bundle is purchased. Customers can extend the validity of their data bundles indefinitely by purchasing another data bundle before the current 30 day bundle expires.
Tips[]
It is usually cheaper to buy the SIM only from a store (R1 to R2) and then buy a data pack online. If buying from the store at Johannesburg airport try arrive with the correct cash as they may not have change.
After activation, ensure that the plan you want is selected rather than assuming it is on the default plan, as if a store assistant has set it up on your phone they may have changed it to another plan.
If you need data for more than one SIM it may be cheaper to buy one large data pack for one of the SIMs, then transfer some of that data allowance to other SIM.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Website: http://www.cellc.co.za
Telkom (formerly 8ta)[]
Telkom is a South African-based telecommunication company with the 4th network in the country. It entered the market in 2010 and was called '8ta' before, but has been rebranded into Telkom. It offers the lowest rates for data in the country of any network operator while it coverage is less too.
While it has limited coverage, mainly in the cities, it currently roams on the 2G and 3G networks of MTN, but not on MTN's 4G/LTE. So make a network scan before purchase. Note that their own 3G is on 850 MHz instead of the usual 900 MHz in Africa: Telkom Coverage Map (Telkom coverage is orange, when you switch to TM Coverage). Furthermore, Telkom's 4G/LTE is on the rare TD-LTE 2300 MHz (B40) in the areas marked on the map (when you switch to LTE).
In November 2018, Telkom signed a new roaming agreement with Vodacom. Telkom customers will be able to roam on Vodacom's 2G, 3G and 4G networks from 2019. Telkom has had a roaming agreement in place with MTN for 2G and 3G services and will conduct a phased transition from the current roaming agreement. This process will conclude in June 2019 when its contract with MTN expires.
Telkom South Africa has announced that it plans to switch off its 2G network nationwide at the end of 2019.
Availability[]
Telkom SIM cards are available at their stores (Store Locator) and other retail outlets for about R0.99 and Telkom top-ups are available everywhere.
Telkom agents can get quite strict about the RICA registration and sometimes demand a proof for the given address which is hard to do for visitors. If you have been rejected, go somewhere else and try your luck or bring something written with your name and an address on it.
Two different prepaid plans are available:
- Telkom more: This is their default plan of a newly purchased prepaid SIM. It comes with higher base rates, but top-up credit is double in value, if you top-up R5 or more and can be used for voice, SMS and out of bundle data.
- SIM Sonke: This plan has better voice billing (no peak time and per second) with the same data rate.
On both plans out of bundle data rate is at a low R0.30 per MB. SIM-Sonke is recommended when you use voice too. For data it's not much of a difference. To change plans dial *180#.
Data feature packages[]
Remember that all Telkom data bundles can roam on the slower MTN 3G network, but not on the faster MTN 4G/LTE network, for free.
Monthly data bundles can be purchased either once-off or recurring and are valid until the end of the next month from purchase (max. 60 days):
- 25 MB: R7.30
- 50 MB: R14.65
- 100 MB: R29.25
- 250 MB: R39.50
- 500 MB: R69.60
- 1 GB + 1 GB (midnight-7am): R100
- 2 GB + 2 GB (midnight-7am): R140
- 3 GB + 3 GB (midnight-7am): R201
- 5 GB + 5 GB (midnight-7am): R301
- 10 GB + 10 GB (midnight-7am): R505
- 20 GB for 6 months: R905
- 50 GB for 12 months: R1815
- 100 GB for 12 months: R3227
To purchase data dial *180*1#. Recurring bundles are allocated on the 1st of every month and stay valid until the end of the next calendar month. A few time-based bundles for shorter periods remain:
- for one hour (once-off):
- 75 MB: R5
- daily:
- 150 MB: R10
- for the weekend (this includes Saturday and Sunday):
- 100 MB: R10
- 200 MB: R19
- 500 MB: R29
- 1 GB: R49
Telkom has introduced so-called Free-me Boost Bundles. They can be added to all prepaid plans as well. They include a data allowance for 31 days and up to 300 mins on-net calls, 100 domestic SMS and additional 500 MB for messaging and VoIP through apps of Viber, WhatsApp or BBM:
- 150 MB: R29
- 500 MB: R70
- 1 GB: R100
- 2 GB: R150
- 3 GB: R200
- 5 GB: R305
- 10 GB: R405
- 20 GB: R605
You can choose between once-off and recurring bundles. Activation via *180#.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Website: http://www.telkom.co.za
Hello Mobile[]
Hello Mobile by the Hello Group is the largest MVNO in the country today with 1.4 million subscribers. Starting in 2009 it uses the network of Cell C with Vodacom roaming in 2G and 3G. 90% of their clients are foreign nationals, who use it for their low international call rates. But it has good rates for data too, if you don't need 4G/LTE everywhere.
Availability[]
Their SIM card is sold in Hello Mobile and Hello Paisa shops and other branded shops, where you see their sign. They may not be so easy to find. Try to do the RICA registration there too. You can also get it online for free to be sent to a South African postal address. If you have ordered it online, you'll need to go in person to a RICA agent to have it registered, before you can activate it.
Top-ups can be found and done easily as you can use any Cell C voucher for it (see above). The SIM will stay active up to 120 days after the last activity. Check balance by *101#.
Data feature packages[]
Data is at R0.99 per MB by default. You can add these bundles to all plans:
- daily bundles (valid until midnight):
- 25 MB: R4
- 65 MB: R9
- 120 MB: R14
- 500 MB: R17
- 1GB: R20
- nightly bundles (valid 1am-7am only):
- 250 MB: R6
- 1 GB: R15
- 5-day bundles:
- 45 MB: R8
- 80 MB: R12
- 250 MB: R25
- 600 MB: R50
- 1.2 GB: R80
- 2.2 GB: R100
- monthly bundles (valid for 30 days) including a special quota valid at night 1am-7am:
- 750 MB + 1 GB night: R85
- 1 GB + 2 GB night: R100
- 1.5 GB + 3 GB night : R149
- 2 GB + 4 GB night: R199
- 3 GB + 5 GB night: R249
- 6 GB + 7 GB night: R299
- 7 GB + 10 GB night: R399
- a WhatsApp bundle is sold at R17 for one month of "unlimited" (FUP: 1.2 GB) WhatsApp use. This excludes VoIP calls.
Activation is through *147# for monthly bundles, *109# for daily and nightly bundles. Overuse is at default rate of the plan.
More info[]
- APN: internet
- Website: http://www.hellomobile.co.za/
MegaTel[]
The Hello Group in 2020 announced in its ezine signing as MVNO to the Telkom network. While they have now launched, their RICA process is entirely online and none of their acceptable proofs of residential address (utility bills, rental/lease agreement, TV license, retail store credit account, postpaid phone bill) are available to short-term visitors, so they can't be listed here.
Website:https://mega-tel.co.za/
Virgin Mobile[]
Virgin Mobile started as South Africa’s first MVNO in 2006 as a joint venture between Cell C and the Virgin Group. It uses the network of Cell C (for coverage check Cell C above) with some 2G/3G roaming on Vodacom.
Availability[]
Its SIM card is given out for free in their few stores (store finder) and outlets, but you have to top-up right away. You are likely to walk past their display stand with free SIM cards just past the customs area on exiting the terminal at Johannesburg airport.
Data feature packs[]
Default data rate outside of bundles is R0.99 per MB. These data bundles are offered all valid for 30 days:
- 50 MB: R10
- 200 MB: R40
- 400 MB: R75
- 600 MB: R100
- 1.5 GB: R200
Until at least end of January 2019 Virgin runs a 'Twice is nice' promotion when all packages are doubled in size.
Use the My Virgin Mobile App or dial *110# to buy a data bundle. All data bundles. All bundles are sold as once-off or recurring. If you would like to stop the bundle from renewing, dial *110# and follow the prompts.
More info[]
- APN: vdata
- Website: http://www.virginmobile.co.za
Lycamobile[]
The UK-based provider Lycamobile has soft-launched in South Africa in 2017 as 22nd country. It operates on the network of Cell C with some 2G/3G roaming on Vodacom, but no 4G/LTE yet: coverage maps.
Availability[]
The starter kit is usually given out for free in their outlets (look for their logo). You should be able to do your RICA registration there. You can order it online too sent to an South African postal address, but this requires that you go to a RICA agent for registration. You can check your RICA status here.
You'll need to top-up your SIM rightaway. You can buy top-up vouchers from your local retailer or online by credit card. The voucher shows a PIN either printed on it or underneath a scratch panel. Enter *101*<PIN>#. Check balance by *101#.
Data feature packs[]
Default rate without a package activated or for overuse is R0.99 per MB. You have the choice of these packages all valid for 30 days:
| Data | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MB | R10 | *139*2701# |
| 300 MB | R19 | *139*2702# |
| 2 GB | R79 | *139*2703# |
| 6 GB | R149 | *139*2704# |
| 8 GB | R245 | *139*2705# |
| 15 GB | R299 | *139*2706# |
| 20 GB | R399 | *139*2707# |
| 35 GB | R599 | *139*2708# |
It's not known if these bundles are one-off or recurrent or if you have the choice.
More info[]
- APN: data.lycamobile.co.za
- Username: lmit - that's possibly wrong and should be: lmza
- Password: plus
- Website: http://www.lycamobile.co.za
Air Mobile (by Afrihost)[]
new logo
Afrihost is a South African Internet Service Provider offering a number of services like ADSL broadband and web hosting. They rebranded their mobile prepaid offer in 2019 to Air Mobile.They offer low data rates for mobile internet operating on the network of MTN (coverage map) in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.
Availability[]
SIM cards can be ordered online and will be sent to any postal address in the country within 2 to 3 working days and a R149 fee for delivery and registration applies. You need to show your ID or passport and be present when the courier arrives for RICA registration.
old logo
Alternatively, you can opt-in on any MTN SIM (not of any other network) to Afrihost. This can be made online on your account at "my connectivity". You need to select "I have a MTN SIM card". This may take a while, but no new RICA registration is necessary and your MTN balance will be retained. You'll need to adjust your APN to Afrihost (see below). They give out 1 GB per month for 3 months for free.
Be aware that 4G/LTE is only enabled by default on SIM cards obtained directly from Air Mobile. If you've obtained a SIM card elsewhere and opt-in to Air Mobile, you'll need to manually request LTE provisioning by contacting them via email, telephone or live chat and activation can take up to 72 hours.
Data feature packages[]
Out of bundle charge is optional and costs only R0.10 per MB. These monthly data bundles are offered:
- 100 MB: R10
- 250 MB: R25
- 500 MB: R45
- 1 GB: R69
- 2 GB: R137
- 3 GB: R197
- 5 GB: R297
All rates are tax included and valid for 30 days. You can add-on top-ups for R99 per GB valid until the end of the following month.
More info[]
- APN (has to be set manually on MTN SIM cards): afrihost
- Website: http://www.afrihost.com
Trace Mobile[]
In May 2018 a new MVNO started on the Cell C network in 2G/3G and 4G/LTE run by media and entertainment company Trace. It's targeted at a 18-35 year old audience, but sold to everyone. It's unique feature are packages that never expire.
Availability[]
The SIM card is sold for R5 at various locations shown in this store locator where you have to do your RICA registration.
For top-ups any Cell C voucher form R5 to 500 can do. To top-up enter *102*<voucher PIN>*. To check balance, enter *101#.
Data feature packages[]
Default rate is R0.99 per MB. Their data packages have the special feature not to expire and can be used over an indefinite period. Be aware that a 90-days inactivity rule for the SIM card validity applies:
- 10 MB: R6.50
- 20 MB: R10
- 50 MB: R20
- 100 MB: R29
- 300 MB: R60
- 500 MB: R100
- 1 GB: R149
Activation of packages is done through their Trace Mobile app available for iOS and Android. You can also swap balance and allowances with other Trace Mobile users by app.
More info[]
- APN still unknown, very likely: internet
- Website: http://www.tracemobile.co.za