Data is expensive in South Africa. Most networks charge R150 or more for 20GB of data. So when Telkom offers 20GB for just R99, it is a deal that grabs attention. But is it real? Is it available to everyone? And how do you actually get it?
The Telkom 20GB for R99 deal is one of the most sought-after prepaid data promotions in the country. It offers exceptional value, working out to under R5 per gigabyte. However, like most good deals, there are conditions. It is not always available to everyone, and it may have restrictions on usage and validity.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting the Telkom 20GB for R99 prepaid. We explain what the deal includes, how to check if you qualify, the different ways to purchase it, and the terms and conditions you need to know.
Telkom 20GB For R99 Prepaid: How To Get It (2026)
What Is The Telkom 20GB For R99 Deal?
The Telkom 20GB for R99 deal is a promotional prepaid data bundle. It offers 20 gigabytes of data at a heavily discounted price. The standard price for 20GB on Telkom is around R499 to R599, so this represents a saving of 80 percent or more.
Key details:
Data: 20GB
Price: R99
Validity: Typically 30 days
Network: Telkom prepaid
Type: Anytime data (works 24/7, not restricted to night hours)
This deal is usually available as a targeted promotion. That means not every Telkom prepaid customer sees it. Telkom offers it to specific users based on their usage patterns, recharge history, and other factors.
Why Is This Deal So Good?
At R99 for 20GB, you are paying approximately R4.95 per gigabyte. To put that in perspective:
Vodacom 20GB standard price: R599 (R29.95 per GB)
MTN 20GB standard price: R599 (R29.95 per GB)
Cell C 20GB standard price: R499 (R24.95 per GB)
Rain 5G 50GB: R499 (R9.98 per GB)
The Telkom deal is cheaper per gigabyte than any other mainstream network’s standard pricing. It is even cheaper than many night owl or social media bundles on a per-GB basis.
This makes it ideal for:
Heavy streamers who watch Netflix or YouTube on mobile.
Users who tether their phone to a laptop for work.
People who want to stock up on data for the month.
Those in areas with good Telkom coverage.
Method 1: Check If You Qualify Via MyTelkom App
The most common way to access the 20GB for R99 deal is through the MyTelkom app. Telkom pushes targeted offers to users based on their profiles.
Step-by-Step:
1. Download and open the MyTelkom app. It is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
2. Log in using your Telkom prepaid number. You will receive an OTP to verify.
3. Once logged in, look at the home screen. Promotional offers are often displayed prominently at the top.
4. Scroll down to the “Shop” or “Data Bundles” section.
5. Look for a banner or tile that says something like “20GB for R99” or “Special Offer Just For You”.
6. If you see the offer, tap on it.
7. Confirm the purchase. The data will be loaded to your account immediately, and R99 will be deducted from your airtime balance.
8. You will receive an SMS confirmation of the purchase and your new data balance.
If you do not see the offer, it may not be available to you. Try the other methods below.
Method 2: Check Via USSD Code
Sometimes promotional offers are accessible via USSD, even if they do not appear in the app.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open your phone dialler.
2. Dial 180. This is Telkom’s main USSD menu for prepaid services.
3. Follow the prompts to “Buy Data” or “Promotional Bundles”.
4. Look for any mention of a 20GB bundle at a special price.
5. If you see the offer, select it and confirm.
6. The data will be loaded, and R99 deducted from your airtime.
You can also try dialling specific codes. Sometimes Telkom runs promotions where you dial a code like 180 20 or similar. Check Telkom’s social media pages or website for current promotion codes.
Method 3: Check Via SMS
Telkom often sends promotional offers via SMS. If you are eligible for the 20GB for R99 deal, you may receive an SMS with a link or code.
Step-by-Step:
1. Check your SMS messages for any communication from Telkom. The sender ID is usually “Telkom” or “TelkomSA”.
2. Look for an SMS that mentions a special data offer, particularly one with 20GB at a low price.
3. The SMS may contain a link to the MyTelkom app or a USSD code to dial.
4. Follow the instructions in the SMS to purchase the bundle.
5. Complete the purchase and confirm.
Important: Be cautious of SMS scams. Only trust messages from official Telkom sender IDs. Do not click on suspicious links. If in doubt, open the MyTelkom app instead.
Method 4: Check Via Telkom Website
You can also check for promotional offers by logging into your Telkom account on the website.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to www.telkom.co.za.
2. Click on “My Telkom” and log in using your prepaid number and password. If you do not have an online profile, you can register.
3. Once logged in, navigate to “Prepaid” or “Data Bundles”.
4. Look for any promotional offers displayed on your account dashboard.
5. If the 20GB for R99 deal is available, you will see it here.
6. Select the offer and complete the purchase. The data will be loaded to your number.
Method 5: Check During Special Promotions
Telkom runs nationwide promotions at certain times of the year. During these periods, the 20GB for R99 deal may be available to all customers, not just targeted individuals.
Typical promotion periods:
Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November.
Festive season in December.
New Year sales in January.
Back to school in February.
Winter specials in June and July.
Heritage Day in September.
During these times, Telkom advertises heavily. You may see the 20GB for R99 deal on:
Television commercials.
Radio ads.
Social media posts.
Banners on the Telkom website.
SMS blasts to all customers.
If you miss out on targeted offers, mark these periods on your calendar and check back.
What If You Do Not See The Offer?
The 20GB for R99 deal is not available to everyone. Telkom uses a number of factors to determine eligibility:
Recharge history. Customers who recharge regularly are more likely to receive offers.
Usage patterns. Heavy data users may be targeted.
Account age. Older, established accounts may get better offers.
Promotional budgets. Telkom limits the number of discounted bundles available.
If you do not see the offer, you can try to improve your chances:
1. Recharge regularly. Even small recharges show you are an active user.
2. Use your data. Telkom wants to sell to customers who will actually use the data.
3. Keep your SIM active. Do not let it expire.
4. Check the MyTelkom app weekly. Offers appear and disappear.
5. Be patient. Your turn may come.
Alternative Deals If You Cannot Get 20GB For R99
If you cannot access the 20GB for R99 deal, Telkom has other competitive offers:
10GB for R79: Often available as a promotional bundle. Great value at R7.90 per GB.
5GB for R49: Frequently available via the app. R9.80 per GB.
3GB for R39: Sometimes available. R13 per GB.
Night Owl 10GB for R79: For overnight downloads only. R7.90 per GB.
Social Mega 5GB for R49: For social media apps only. R9.80 per GB.
Check these alternatives in the MyTelkom app. They may be available even if the 20GB deal is not.
Terms And Conditions
Like all promotional deals, the 20GB for R99 bundle comes with conditions:
Validity: The data typically expires after 30 days. Unused data does not roll over.
Usage: This is anytime data. It works 24 hours a day. There are no time restrictions.
Fair Usage Policy: Telkom may apply a fair usage policy. If you use an excessive amount of data, speeds may be throttled. For 20GB, this is unlikely to affect normal use.
Non-refundable: Data bundles are non-refundable. Once purchased, you cannot get your money back.
Auto-renewal: Promotional bundles usually do not auto-renew. You must purchase again next month if you want the deal again.
Availability: The offer is subject to availability. Telkom may withdraw it at any time.
How To Use Your 20GB Data
With 20GB of data, you can:
Stream Netflix for approximately 20 to 30 hours at standard definition.
Stream music for hundreds of hours.
Browse social media extensively.
Use WhatsApp and messaging apps without worry.
Work remotely, tethering to a laptop for email and browsing.
Watch YouTube videos for many hours.
To make the most of your data:
Monitor your usage in the MyTelkom app.
Set a data warning on your phone.
Use Wi-Fi for large downloads when available.
Stream at lower resolutions to save data.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Is the Telkom 20GB for R99 deal real?
Yes, it is a genuine promotional offer from Telkom. However, it is not available to all customers at all times. It is typically a targeted promotion.
How do I know if I qualify?
Check the MyTelkom app, dial 180, or look for SMS from Telkom. If you qualify, the offer will appear in one of these places.
Can I buy the deal more than once?
It depends on the promotion. Some offers are one-time only. Others may be available monthly if you qualify. Check the terms in the app.
Does the data expire?
Yes, the data typically expires after 30 days. Check the exact validity when you purchase.
Can I use this data in a router?
Yes, you can use the data in a router or by tethering, subject to Telkom’s fair usage policy. Excessive use may be throttled.
What if I have load shedding?
Your data is stored on your SIM, not on the network. If your phone or router has power, you can use it. Ensure your devices are charged or connected to backup power.
Can I get this deal if I am on contract?
No, this deal is for prepaid customers only. Contract customers have different pricing and bundles.
Is Telkom coverage good enough for 20GB of data?
Telkom coverage is excellent in major metropolitan areas and towns. In rural areas, coverage may be patchy. Check Telkom’s coverage map before buying large bundles.
What happens if I run out of data?
You can buy additional bundles. Out-of-bundle data is charged at R0.99 per MB, which is expensive. Block out-of-bundle data in the app to avoid surprise charges.
Can I share this data with someone else?
No, prepaid data is for your SIM only. You cannot share it with other numbers.
Summary: How To Get The Deal
The Telkom 20GB for R99 prepaid deal is one of the best value data offers in South Africa. To get it:
1. Install the MyTelkom app and check regularly.
2. Dial 180 and look for promotional bundles.
3. Watch for SMS offers from Telkom.
4. Check during major sales periods like Black Friday.
5. Keep your SIM active and recharge regularly to improve your chances of being targeted.
If you qualify, the purchase process is simple. Confirm in the app or via USSD, and the data is loaded immediately.
Final Warning: Be Patient
The 20GB for R99 deal is not guaranteed. It is a promotional offer that Telkom uses to reward loyal customers and attract attention. If you do not qualify today, you may qualify next month.
Do not buy from third parties claiming to sell the deal. There are scams offering “cheap data” that do not work. Only purchase through official Telkom channels.
If you cannot get the deal, remember that Telkom still offers excellent value on other bundles. Check the app regularly for the best available offers.
Official Telkom Support: 180 from a Telkom line or 081 180 from any network.
MyTelkom App: Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Telkom Website: www.telkom.co.za
—
This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Telkom promotional offers are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information in the MyTelkom app or with Telkom directly before purchasing.