As one of Africa’s telecom giants, MTN South Africa offers a wide range of SIM-only data deals tailored for everything from casual browsing to heavy-duty streaming and work-from-home productivity. In an age where connectivity is as essential as electricity, selecting the right data package can make or break your digital lifestyle.
Whether you’re a student on a budget, a freelancer living on video calls, or just someone who likes their memes to load fast, there’s an MTN data plan with your name on it.
So, how do you navigate the jungle of offerings? That’s what this guide is here for.
MTN SIM Only Data Deals
What Is a SIM-Only Deal?
Before we jump in, let’s define the term. A SIM-only deal gives you just a SIM card with data (sometimes voice/text), no phones or hardware included. It’s perfect for:
Tablet or MiFi users who don’t need voice services
People using dual SIM phones
Those who already own a great device and don’t want to sign up for another contract
SIM-only plans are often more affordable than full device contracts and offer more flexibility for savvy customers.
What Is a SIM-Only Deal?
Before we jump in, let’s define the term. A SIM-only deal gives you just a SIM card with data (sometimes voice/text), no phones or hardware included. It’s perfect for:
Tablet or MiFi users who don’t need voice services
People using dual SIM phones
Those who already own a great device and don’t want to sign up for another contract
SIM-only plans are often more affordable than full device contracts and offer more flexibility for savvy customers.
Contract SIM-Only Deals (24–36 Month Options)
If you’re in it for the long haul, contract plans offer better value per gigabyte and often come with extras. Below are some standout choices in 2025:
1. Mobile Internet Silver Plan
Data: 6GB Anytime Data monthly
Price: R109/month
Duration: 24–36 months
Effective Rate: R18.17/GB
Extras: None
This plan is great for everyday users who browse social media, stream a bit, and download intermittently. No frills, just solid data.
2. Mobile Internet Gold
Data: 15GB Anytime Data
Price: R159/month
Duration: 36 months
Effective Rate: R10.60/GB
Extras: None
At just over R10 per gig, this deal is sweet for moderate to heavy users who hate data depletion halfway through the month.
3. MTN Mega Flex
Bundle: R135 Airtime + 10GB once-off welcome bonus
Price: R109/month
Duration: 36 months
Benefit: Airtime is versatile—use it for voice, data, or bundles
Flexibility is the main selling point here. Ideal for users who don’t want to lock all their monthly cost into data alone.
4. MTN Yellow Core
Data: 1GB Anytime + 50 All-Net Minutes
Price: R149/month
Duration: 36 months
For Whom: Light users who still need some voice minutes
This plan may suit those who only occasionally go online but want some voice access too—perhaps parents or retirees.
OneTime / Prepaid Data Bundles
If commitment isn’t your thing, MTN’s once-off prepaid bundles give you more control. Just top up when you need data. Perfect for backup SIMs, travelers, or occasional users.
Top Prepaid MTN SIM-Only Bundles (2025)
| Bundle Data | Validity | Price (ZAR) |
| 100MB Basic | 100MB 6 months | R99 |
| 300MB Boost | 6 months | R149–R199 |
| 1GB Weekend Pack | (Sat-Sun) Weekend Only | R45 |
| 5GB Power Pack | 5GB Anytime | 30 days R199 |
| 10GB Streaming | 10GB Anytime | 30 days R299 |
These bundles are available via MTN’s app or by dialing *136*2#.
MTN Combo Deals
Combo deals blend data, voice, and special allocations like night data or video streaming MBs. Here’s a standout one:
MTN R99 Combo
750MB Anytime
750MB Night Data
500MB Video Streaming
60 All-Net Minutes
Price: R99/month (contract)
This value-packed offer is ideal for those who juggle day browsing, nighttime downloads, and light calls—plus some YouTube or TikTok for good measure.
Let’s Talk About Night Data
Many MTN bundles include night data, which is typically usable between midnight and 5 AM. While it might sound limiting, it’s a smart way to schedule heavy downloads or binge-watch series without eating your day data.
You’ll see this especially in MTN Combo and Mega Gigs bundles.
Night owl tip: Queue your Netflix, YouTube, or app updates to download during night hours to stretch your regular data further.
MTN vs Vodacom vs Telkom
So how does MTN stack up against its competitors?
| Feature | MTN | Vodacom | Telkom |
| Coverage | Excellent national coverage | Great urban coverage | Strong in metro, weaker rural |
| Prices | Competitive | Generally higher | Often lower on prepaid |
| Flexibility | Strong combo/bundle mix | Less flexible | More prepaid innovation |
| Data-Only Options | Robust variety | Good, fewer promo deals | Often priced aggressively |
MTN offers a strong balance between coverage, flexibility, and pricing. It’s not the cheapest, but often the most consistent.
Who Are MTN SIM-Only Deals Best For?
Students
The smaller bundles and night data deals mean students can stay connected on a budget. Use night data for downloads, and daytime for WhatsApp or email.
Remote Workers & Freelancers
Contract plans like the 15GB/month Mobile Gold offer reliability at a good value. Never risk running out during that 4 PM Zoom call.
Streamers
Go for combos with video data or once-off high GB bundles. Streaming eats data fast, so bonus streaming MBs are clutch.
Light Users
If you’re only using WhatsApp, email, and light browsing, plans like Yellow Core or the R99 Combo give just enough without waste.
How to Buy & Activate a SIM-Only Deal
Here’s how to get started with an MTN data-only SIM in South Africa:
Buy a SIM-only starter pack from an MTN shop or online
RICA (register) the SIM using your ID and proof of address
Dial *136# to check balance or activate bundles
Use the MyMTN app for easy top-ups, monitoring, and promotional offers
Pro Tip: The app often has exclusive “Hot Deals” only available digitally. Keep an eye on those for limited-time discounts.
Related:
Summary: MTN Deals – Current Trends
MTN continues to innovate in response to South Africa’s growing appetite for fast, affordable internet. In 2025, expect to see:
5G-Optimized Plans: With increasing 5G coverage, MTN may roll out high-speed bundles tailored for streaming, gaming, or cloud services.
Customizable Bundles: More user-generated bundle platforms—pick how much data, voice, and video MBs you want.
Data Rewards & Gamification: Earn extra data through app usage, engagement, or promotions.
Want to stay ahead? Use the MTN Zone and Just4U features in the app—these often personalize offers based on your usage patterns.