If you are tired of being locked into expensive 24-month contracts with Vodacom or MTN, Telkom SIM-only deals are the escape hatch. You bring your own phone. You choose your plan. You pay only for the data and voice minutes you actually need. And because Telkom does not subsidise a handset, the monthly fees are significantly lower than the competition.
This guide covers every single Telkom SIM-only data deal available in 2026. You will find prepaid bundles, month-to-month Top-Up plans, 12-month SIM-only contracts, and special promotions for porting customers. We also break down the fair usage policies, out-of-bundle rates, and hidden fees that Telkom does not advertise on the billboards.
All Telkom SIM-Only Data Deals: Complete Price Guide
What Is A SIM-Only Deal?
A SIM-only deal is a mobile contract that includes only a SIM card and an airtime or data bundle. You do not receive a subsidised handset. You use your own phone, whether you bought it outright, brought it from another network, or are still paying it off elsewhere.
SIM-only plans are available on:
– Prepaid: You recharge manually each month.
– Top-Up: You choose a monthly bundle and are billed on the same date each month. If you exceed the bundle, you are charged at out-of-bundle rates.
– Contract: You sign a 12-month or 24-month agreement. Your price is fixed. You cannot downgrade during the term.
Telkom has aggressively moved toward SIM-only offerings because they do not manufacture phones. Their business is connectivity, not hardware sales.
Quick Reference: Telkom SIM-Only Data Deals (2026)
| Plan Name | Type | Monthly Price | Data | Voice Minutes | Anytime SMS | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telkom FreeMe 1GB | Top-Up | R99 | 1 GB | 30 | 0 | Month-to-month |
| Telkom FreeMe 2.5GB | Top-Up | R149 | 2.5 GB | 75 | 0 | Month-to-month |
| Telkom FreeMe 5GB | Top-Up | R249 | 5 GB | 150 | 0 | Month-to-month |
| Telkom FreeMe 10GB | Top-Up | R449 | 10 GB | 300 | 0 | Month-to-month |
| Telkom FreeMe 20GB | Top-Up | R649 | 20 GB | 600 | 0 | Month-to-month |
| Telkom SmartData 5GB | Contract | R199 | 5 GB | 0 | 0 | 12 or 24 months |
| Telkom SmartData 10GB | Contract | R299 | 10 GB | 0 | 0 | 12 or 24 months |
| Telkom SmartData 20GB | Contract | R499 | 20 GB | 0 | 0 | 12 or 24 months |
| Telkom SmartData 50GB | Contract | R799 | 50 GB | 0 | 0 | 12 or 24 months |
| Telkom SmartData 100GB | Contract | R1,199 | 100 GB | 0 | 0 | 12 or 24 months |
| Telkom Prepaid Weekly | Prepaid | R29 | 1 GB | 0 | 0 | 7 days |
| Telkom Prepaid Monthly | Prepaid | R99 | 3 GB | 0 | 0 | 30 days |
| Telkom Prepaid Monthly Plus | Prepaid | R149 | 6 GB | 0 | 0 | 30 days |
Insights
- FreeMe Top-Up plans are flexible, month-to-month, and include voice minutes, making them ideal for balanced usage.
- SmartData Contract plans are pure data bundles, better suited for heavy data users who don’t need voice minutes.
- Prepaid bundles are short-term, cost-effective options for light or occasional users.
- The best value per GB is found in the larger SmartData contracts (50 GB and 100 GB), while the best balanced plan is FreeMe 20 GB with 600 minutes included.
Note: All prices include VAT. FreeMe plans include unlimited on-net calls to Telkom numbers. SmartData plans are data-only; voice calls are billed separately at out-of-bundle rates.
Telkom FreeMe Top-Up Plans
Best for: Users who want voice minutes, unlimited Telkom calls, and the flexibility to change plans monthly.
FreeMe is Telkom’s flagship SIM-only product. It is a Top-Up plan, meaning you are not locked into a contract. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time with 30 days notice.
What you get:
– A fixed bucket of data, voice minutes, and SMS.
– Unlimited calls to any Telkom mobile or Telkom landline number.
– Rollover: Unused data and minutes roll over once, provided you recharge before your expiry date.
– Free access to Telkom Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
FreeMe 1GB
Monthly price: R99
Data: 1GB
Voice minutes: 30 (any network)
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: Yes
Rollover: Yes
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Light users, pensioners, secondary SIMs.
FreeMe 2.5GB
Monthly price: R149
Data: 2.5GB
Voice minutes: 75 (any network)
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: Yes
Rollover: Yes
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Moderate users, WhatsApp, email, light browsing.
FreeMe 5GB
Monthly price: R249
Data: 5GB
Voice minutes: 150 (any network)
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: Yes
Rollover: Yes
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Average individual users, social media, music streaming.
FreeMe 10GB
Monthly price: R449
Data: 10GB
Voice minutes: 300 (any network)
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: Yes
Rollover: Yes
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Heavy users, video streaming, work-from-home on mobile.
FreeMe 20GB
Monthly price: R649
Data: 20GB
Voice minutes: 600 (any network)
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: Yes
Rollover: Yes
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Very heavy users, hotspot tethering, household primary line.
Telkom SmartData Contract Plans
Best for: Users who want a fixed price and do not need voice minutes.
SmartData is Telkom’s data-only SIM-only contract. There are no voice minutes included. If you make a call, you are charged at R1.99 per minute or you must buy a separate voice bundle.
These plans are available on 12-month or 24-month contracts. The price is the same regardless of term length.
SmartData 5GB
Monthly price: R199
Data: 5GB
Voice minutes: 0
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: No
Rollover: No
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Tablet users, secondary data SIMs, users who rarely make calls.
SmartData 10GB
Monthly price: R299
Data: 10GB
Voice minutes: 0
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: No
Rollover: No
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Moderate data users who do not need voice.
SmartData 20GB
Monthly price: R499
Data: 20GB
Voice minutes: 0
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: No
Rollover: No
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Heavy data users on a budget.
SmartData 50GB
Monthly price: R799
Data: 50GB
Voice minutes: 0
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: No
Rollover: No
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Very heavy users, tethering, home backup connection.
SmartData 100GB
Monthly price: R1,199
Data: 100GB
Voice minutes: 0
SMS: 0
Unlimited Telkom calls: No
Rollover: No
Out-of-bundle data rate: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Ultra-heavy users, large downloads, 4K streaming on mobile.
Telkom Prepaid SIM-Only Bundles
Best for: Users who want no monthly commitment and no credit check.
Telkom prepaid offers a range of data bundles that you purchase manually. There is no automatic billing. When your data runs out, you buy another bundle or you are cut off.
Prepaid Weekly 1GB
Price: R29
Data: 1GB
Validity: 7 days
Voice: Out-of-bundle rates apply
Out-of-bundle data: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Short-term needs, travellers, emergency data.
Prepaid Monthly 3GB
Price: R99
Data: 3GB
Validity: 30 days
Voice: Out-of-bundle rates apply
Out-of-bundle data: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Budget-conscious users, light browsing.
Prepaid Monthly Plus 6GB
Price: R149
Data: 6GB
Validity: 30 days
Voice: Out-of-bundle rates apply
Out-of-bundle data: R0.99 per MB
Best for: Moderate users who prefer prepaid flexibility.
Telkom SIM-Only Deals For Porting Customers
Telkom aggressively targets customers switching from Vodacom and MTN. If you port your number to Telkom, you qualify for special porting promotions.
Current 2026 porting specials:
– FreeMe 5GB: First 3 months at R149 (normally R249).
– FreeMe 10GB: First 3 months at R299 (normally R449).
– SmartData 10GB: First 6 months at R199 (normally R299).
– Double data: All FreeMe plans receive double data for the first 6 months.
To qualify:
– You must port your number from Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, or Telkom Mobile.
– You must sign a 12-month SIM-only contract.
– You cannot be an existing Telkom customer.
Telkom SIM-Only vs. Vodacom vs. MTN
How does Telkom compare to the other networks on SIM-only pricing?
Telkom vs Competitors – Voice + Data Plans (2026)
| Plan | Telkom | Vodacom | MTN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB + Voice | R99 | R149 | R149 |
| 5 GB + Voice | R249 | R299 | R299 |
| 10 GB + Voice | R449 | R549 | R549 |
| 20 GB + Voice | R649 | R799 | R799 |
| 5 GB Data Only | R199 | R249 | R249 |
| 10 GB Data Only | R299 | R399 | R399 |
Observations
- Telkom is consistently cheaper than Vodacom and MTN across all bundles.
- The largest savings appear in the 20 GB + voice plan, where Telkom is R150 less.
- For data-only bundles, Telkom’s 10 GB option is R100 cheaper than competitors.
- Vodacom and MTN pricing is identical, while Telkom positions itself as the budget-friendly choice.
Verdict: Telkom is consistently 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Vodacom and MTN for equivalent SIM-only plans.
Telkom Network Coverage And Performance
The catch: Telkom is cheaper because its network is not as extensive as Vodacom or MTN.
Coverage strengths:
– Telkom performs well in metropolitan areas: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban.
– Telkom has excellent indoor coverage in shopping centres and office parks due to its in-building solutions.
Coverage weaknesses:
– Rural areas: Telkom’s 3G and LTE coverage is sparse outside major towns.
– National roads: Telkom signal drops frequently on the N1, N2, and N3.
– Buildings without dedicated indoor coverage: Telkom’s 4G signal struggles to penetrate thick concrete.
Check before you switch:
Visit www.telkom.co.za/coverage. Enter your home and work addresses. If the map shows weak signal, Telkom may not be suitable as your primary line.
Telkom Fair Usage Policy On SIM-Only Plans
Telkom’s SIM-only plans are not truly unlimited. Even the largest bundles are subject to a Fair Usage Policy.
FreeMe FUP:
– 1GB plan: 10GB total monthly usage cap.
– 2.5GB plan: 20GB total monthly usage cap.
– 5GB plan: 30GB total monthly usage cap.
– 10GB plan: 50GB total monthly usage cap.
– 20GB plan: 80GB total monthly usage cap.
If you exceed the FUP, Telkom reserves the right to:
– Throttle your speed to 384kbps.
– Restrict your ability to use streaming services.
– Contact you to discuss your usage.
SmartData FUP:
– 5GB plan: 30GB total monthly cap.
– 10GB plan: 50GB total monthly cap.
– 20GB plan: 80GB total monthly cap.
– 50GB plan: 150GB total monthly cap.
– 100GB plan: 250GB total monthly cap.
These caps are rarely enforced on individual users, but heavy tethering or using the SIM in a router will trigger restrictions.
Out-Of-Bundle Rates: The Hidden Trap
Telkom’s out-of-bundle data rate is R0.99 per MB. That is R990 per GB, approximately four times more expensive than in-bundle data.
If you exhaust your monthly data bucket, Telkom will continue charging you R0.99 per MB unless you:
1. Switch off out-of-bundle data in your Telkom app.
2. Dial 180 and request a data block.
3. Purchase a once-off data bundle before you run out.
How to block out-of-bundle data:
1. Open the MyTelkom app.
2. Go to Settings or Usage Controls.
3. Toggle Block Out of Bundle Data to ON.
4. Confirm.
Once blocked, your internet simply stops when your bundle finishes. No surprise bills.
Telkom SIM-Only For Tablets And Routers
Telkom allows SIM-only plans to be used in tablets, LTE routers, and MiFi devices. However:
– FreeMe plans are intended for voice and data. Using them extensively in a router may trigger FUP enforcement.
– SmartData plans are explicitly for data. They are the correct choice for router use.
Telkom also offers specific LTE Home and 5G Home plans for fixed wireless. These are not SIM-only mobile plans. They are covered in the Telkom Unlimited Data Prices guide.
How To Sign Up For Telkom SIM-Only
Option 1: Online
1. Go to www.telkom.co.za/sim-only.
2. Select your plan (FreeMe, SmartData, or Prepaid).
3. Choose your contract term (month-to-month, 12 months, or 24 months).
4. Complete the online application.
5. Upload your ID and proof of residence.
6. If approved, your SIM card is couriered to you within 1 to 3 business days.
7. Insert the SIM, follow the activation SMS, and you are live.
Option 2: In-Store
1. Visit a Telkom Franchise or Telkom Express store.
2. Take a queue ticket for New Connections.
3. Request a SIM-only plan.
4. Present your ID.
5. Pay the R25 SIM card fee.
6. The consultant activates your SIM immediately.
Option 3: Porting
Follow the porting process outlined in the previous guide. You will receive your Telkom SIM and port your number simultaneously.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Can I use my own phone with Telkom SIM-only?
Yes. That is the definition of SIM-only. Your phone must be unlocked. If it is locked to Vodacom or MTN, you must unlock it before inserting the Telkom SIM.
Do Telkom SIM-only plans include roaming?
Yes. Telkom includes standard roaming within South Africa. International roaming is available on FreeMe and SmartData plans but requires activation and carries additional charges.
Can I get a Telkom SIM-only plan if I have bad credit?
Yes. Prepaid and Top-Up plans do not require credit checks. SmartData contracts require a credit check. If you fail the credit check, you may be offered a reduced limit or required to pay a deposit.
Does Telkom SIM-only include 5G?
Yes, if you have a 5G-capable phone and are in a 5G coverage area. There is no additional charge for 5G access on FreeMe or SmartData plans.
Can I downgrade my FreeMe plan?
Yes. FreeMe is month-to-month. You can downgrade to a cheaper plan with 30 days notice. Upgrades are immediate.
What happens when my SmartData contract ends?
You may renew for another 12 or 24 months, convert to a month-to-month Top-Up plan at a higher price, or cancel with 30 days notice.
Can I use Telkom SIM-only in a Huawei router without Google?
Yes. Telkom SIMs are not device-restricted. Insert the SIM into any compatible, unlocked device.
Does Telkom SIM-only include caller ID and voicemail?
Yes. Caller ID is included. Voicemail is included but must be activated by dialling 111.
Can I keep my number if I switch to Telkom SIM-only?
Yes. If you are already on Telkom, you can migrate from prepaid to Top-Up or contract and keep your number. If you are on another network, you must port.
What is the Telkom SIM-only cancellation fee?
– Month-to-month: 30 days written notice. No fee.
– 12-month contract: 75 percent of remaining monthly fees.
– 24-month contract: 75 percent of remaining monthly fees.
Summary: Which Telkom SIM-Only Deal Is Best For You?
Choose FreeMe 1GB if:
– You need voice minutes.
– You are a very light user.
– You want the cheapest entry-level plan.
Choose FreeMe 5GB if:
– You are an average individual user.
– You want a balance of data and voice.
– You want unlimited Telkom calls.
Choose SmartData 10GB if:
– You do not need voice minutes.
– You want the cheapest pure data plan.
– You are using the SIM in a tablet or secondary device.
Choose Prepaid if:
– You do not want any monthly commitment.
– You have poor credit or no bank account.
– You want complete control over your spending.
Final Warning: The Telkom Network Gap
Telkom SIM-only deals are excellent value. They are consistently cheaper than Vodacom and MTN. However, the value proposition collapses if you do not have adequate Telkom coverage at your home, office, or regular travel routes.
Test before you commit:
– Buy a Telkom prepaid SIM for R25.
– Recharge with R29 for 1GB.
– Use the SIM as your primary connection for one week.
– If the signal is strong and speeds are acceptable, sign a contract.
If the signal is weak, stick with Vodacom or MTN. Paying R50 more per month is worth having a working phone.
Official Telkom Support: 180 from a Telkom line or 081 180 from any network.
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Telkom SIM-only pricing, plan structures, and fair usage policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify current terms at www.telkom.co.za before signing a contract.