Telkom has long positioned itself as South Africa’s value leader in mobile data. While Vodacom and MTN compete on network quality and premium branding, Telkom fights on price. Their data bundles are consistently cheaper, and their promotions are more aggressive.
But keeping track of Telkom’s ever-changing promotions is exhausting. One week it is double data. The next week it is half-price weekends. The week after that is a freebie for app users.
This guide provides the complete list of Telkom data bundle promotion prices. We cover all active promotions, how to access them, the fine print on fair usage policies, and how to stack promotions for maximum value.
How Telkom Data Promotions Work
Telkom offers three types of data bundle promotions:
1. Lifetime promotions: Permanent discounted bundles available to all prepaid customers.
2. Seasonal promotions: Limited-time offers around holidays, back-to-school, or financial year-end.
3. Targeted promotions: Personalised offers sent via SMS or visible in the MyTelkom app.
Most promotions require you to purchase through specific channels:
– MyTelkom app
– Telkom website
– USSD code 180#
– Selected retailers like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, or Checkers
Promotional bundles often have shorter validity periods than standard bundles. Read the terms before buying.
Quick Reference: Telkom Promotional Data Bundles 2026
| Bundle Size | Standard Price | Promo Price | Validity | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100MB | R15 | R9 | 7 days | App only |
| 250MB | R25 | R15 | 7 days | App only |
| 500MB | R49 | R25 | 30 days | App & USSD |
| 1GB | R85 | R49 | 30 days | All channels |
| 2GB | R149 | R79 | 30 days | App & USSD |
| 3GB | R199 | R99 | 30 days | App only |
| 5GB | R299 | R149 | 30 days | All channels |
| 10GB | R499 | R299 | 30 days | App only |
| 20GB | R799 | R499 | 30 days | App only |
| 50GB | R1,299 | R899 | 60 days | App only |
| 100GB | R1,999 | R1,499 | 90 days | App only |
Note: Promotional prices apply to prepaid customers. Top-Up and contract customers may have different pricing structures.
Insights
- Best short-term deal: 1GB Promo at R49, available across all channels.
- Best long-term value: 100GB Promo at R1,499, valid for 90 days, though limited to app purchases.
- Savings range: Discounts vary from R6 (100MB) to R500 (100GB).
- Channel restrictions: Smaller bundles often require the app, while mid-range bundles (500MB, 2GB, 5GB) are more flexible with USSD and all channels.
Lifetime Promotions: Always Available
These bundles are permanently discounted. You do not need a special code or limited-time offer.
100MB Weekly Data
Standard price: R15
Promo price: R9
Savings: 40 percent
Validity: 7 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
This is Telkom’s cheapest data bundle. It is designed for emergency data when you just need to send a WhatsApp or check an email. The R9 price is only available in the app. USSD users pay R15.
250MB Weekly Data
Standard price: R25
Promo price: R15
Savings: 40 percent
Validity: 7 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
Similar to the 100MB bundle, this is app-exclusive. It works out to R60 per GB, which is excellent value for a weekly bundle.
500MB Monthly Data
Standard price: R49
Promo price: R25
Savings: 49 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: MyTelkom app and USSD 180#
This is one of Telkom’s most popular promotions. R25 for 500MB over 30 days is exceptional value for light users. It is available via USSD, making it accessible to feature phone users.
1GB Monthly Data
Standard price: R85
Promo price: R49
Savings: 42 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: All channels
The 1GB promotion is available everywhere: app, USSD, website, and retail vouchers. At R49 per GB, it is the benchmark for affordable mobile data in South Africa.
2GB Monthly Data
Standard price: R149
Promo price: R79
Savings: 47 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: MyTelkom app and USSD 180#
R79 for 2GB works out to R39.50 per GB. This is the sweet spot for moderate users who need more than 1GB but want to stay under R100.
3GB Monthly Data
Standard price: R199
Promo price: R99
Savings: 50 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
The 3GB promotion is app-exclusive and offers exactly 50 percent off the standard price. At R33 per GB, it is one of the best value bundles in the country.
5GB Monthly Data
Standard price: R299
Promo price: R149
Savings: 50 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: All channels
R149 for 5GB is R29.80 per GB. This is the bundle most heavy users choose. It is available everywhere and often featured in Telkom’s marketing.
10GB Monthly Data
Standard price: R499
Promo price: R299
Savings: 40 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
The 10GB promotion is app-exclusive. At R29.90 per GB, it matches the 5GB bundle’s per-gigabyte price but in a larger package.
20GB Monthly Data
Standard price: R799
Promo price: R499
Savings: 38 percent
Validity: 30 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
R499 for 20GB works out to R24.95 per GB. This is the cheapest per-gigabyte price among monthly bundles.
50GB Long-Life Data
Standard price: R1,299
Promo price: R899
Savings: 31 percent
Validity: 60 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
The 50GB bundle is designed for heavy users who want longer validity. At R17.98 per GB, it is significantly cheaper than monthly bundles on a per-gigabyte basis.
100GB Long-Life Data
Standard price: R1,999
Promo price: R1,499
Savings: 25 percent
Validity: 90 days
Channel: MyTelkom app only
The 100GB bundle is Telkom’s largest promotional offer. At R14.99 per GB, it is the cheapest data you can buy from Telkom. Perfect for home internet backup or heavy streaming.
Seasonal Promotions 2026
Telkom runs limited-time promotions throughout the year. These are not always available.
New Year Double Data
– When: January
– Offer: Double data on all bundles up to 10GB.
– Example: Buy 5GB for R149, get 5GB free. Total 10GB.
Back to School Special
– When: February
– Offer: 50 percent off educational content data.
– Details: Data used on specific educational websites does not count toward your bundle.
Winter Warmers
– When: June to July
– Offer: Extra 20 percent data on all bundles.
– Example: Buy 5GB for R149, get 1GB free. Total 6GB.
Spring Sale
– When: September
– Offer: Buy one get one free on selected bundles.
– Usually applies to 1GB and 2GB bundles.
Black Friday
– When: November
– Offer: Deep discounts, often 60 to 70 percent off.
– Example: 10GB for R199 instead of R499.
– Note: Black Friday bundles often have shorter validity, typically 7 to 14 days.
Festive Season
– When: December
– Offer: Long-life bundles at reduced prices.
– Example: 50GB for R699 instead of R899.
Targeted Promotions
Telkom frequently sends personalised offers via SMS or in-app notifications. These are based on your usage patterns.
Examples of targeted promotions:
– “We miss you” offer: 1GB for R29 if you have not recharged in 30 days.
– Loyalty reward: 500MB free with any purchase over R50.
– Upgrade offer: 10GB for R249, available only to customers who regularly buy 5GB.
– Birthday bonus: Free 1GB during your birth month.
To receive targeted promotions:
– Keep your SIM active. Telkom only sends offers to active users.
– Install the MyTelkom app. Most targeted offers appear here first.
– Opt in to marketing SMS. You can do this in the app settings.
Telkom Data Bundle Promotions via USSD
Not everyone has a smartphone. Telkom ensures USSD users can access most promotions.
Dial 180 and follow these options:
– Option 1: Buy data
– Option 2: Promotional bundles
– Option 3: Check balance
– Option 4: My offers
Available via USSD:
– 500MB for R25
– 1GB for R49
– 2GB for R79
– 5GB for R149
App-exclusive bundles like 100MB for R9 and 3GB for R99 are not available via USSD.
Telkom Data Bundle Promotions via Retailers
You can buy promotional bundles at major retailers:
– Pick n Pay: 1GB for R49 voucher
– Shoprite: 2GB for R79 voucher
– Checkers: 5GB for R149 voucher
– Spar: 500MB for R25 voucher
Retailer vouchers are physical or electronic receipts with a PIN. Dial 180, select “Redeem voucher,” and enter the PIN.
Telkom Night Owl Promotions
Night Owl data is for use between midnight and 5:59 AM. It is significantly cheaper than anytime data.
Night Owl Data Bundles (Standard vs. Promo)
| Bundle | Standard Price | Promo Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB Night Owl | R25 | R15 | 7 days |
| 2GB Night Owl | R45 | R29 | 7 days |
| 5GB Night Owl | R69 | R49 | 7 days |
| 10GB Night Owl | R99 | R79 | 7 days |
Insights
- Savings on promo: Discounts range from R10 to R20, making larger bundles especially attractive.
- Best value per GB (Promo):
- 10GB → R7.90 per GB
- 5GB → R9.80 per GB
- 2GB → R14.50 per GB
- 1GB → R15 per GB
- Standard vs. Promo comparison:
- Standard 10GB → R9.90 per GB vs. Promo 10GB → R7.90 per GB.
- Standard 1GB → R25 per GB vs. Promo 1GB → R15 per GB.
The 10GB Promo bundle offers the strongest value, ideal for heavy overnight downloaders, while smaller bundles are less cost-efficient per GB.
Night Owl promotions are available via the app and USSD. They are perfect for downloading large files, updates, or Netflix episodes while you sleep.
Telkom Social Mega Promotions
Social Mega bundles are for specific apps: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Social Data Bundles (Standard vs. Promo)
| Bundle | Standard Price | Promo Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MB Social | R15 | R9 | 7 days |
| 1GB Social | R25 | R15 | 7 days |
| 2GB Social | R45 | R25 | 30 days |
| 5GB Social | R99 | R49 | 30 days |
Insights
- Biggest savings: The 5GB Social bundle drops from R99 to R49 — nearly 50% off.
- Best value per GB (Promo):
- 5GB → R9.80 per GB
- 2GB → R12.50 per GB
- 1GB → R15 per GB
- 500MB → R18 per GB
- Short-term vs. long-term: Smaller bundles (500MB, 1GB) are valid for 7 days, while larger bundles (2GB, 5GB) last 30 days, making them more practical for consistent social media use.
This shows that the 5GB Promo bundle offers the strongest value both in price and per-GB cost, especially for heavy social media users.
Social Mega data does not work on YouTube, Chrome, or email. It is strictly for the listed social apps.
Telkom Weekly Promotions
For users who prefer weekly budgeting, Telkom offers discounted weekly bundles.
Weekly Data Bundles (Promo vs. Standard)
| Bundle | Standard Price | Promo Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MB Weekly | R25 | R15 | 7 days |
| 1GB Weekly | R49 | R29 | 7 days |
| 2GB Weekly | R79 | R49 | 7 days |
Insights
- Savings on promo: Each bundle is discounted by R10–R20 compared to the standard price.
- Best value per GB:
- 2GB Weekly Promo → R24.50 per GB.
- 1GB Weekly Promo → R29 per GB.
- 500MB Weekly Promo → R30 per GB.
- Standard vs. Promo: The promo prices make larger bundles significantly more cost-effective, especially the 2GB option.
Weekly promotions are available via the app and USSD.
Telkom Anytime vs. Night Owl vs. Social Mega
| Bundle Type | Best For | Per GB Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime | General browsing, streaming | R25–R50 | 30 days |
| Night Owl | Overnight downloads | R5–R8 | 7 days |
| Social Mega | Social media only | R9–R15 | 7–30 days |
Insights
- Anytime bundles: Flexible for all-day use, but more expensive per GB. Best for streaming, browsing, and mixed usage.
- Night Owl bundles: Extremely cheap per GB, ideal for heavy downloaders who can use data overnight. Short validity (7 days) makes them less practical for casual users.
- Social Mega bundles: Targeted at social media users, cheaper than Anytime but limited in scope. Validity varies, offering flexibility for short-term or monthly use.
This comparison shows that Night Owl offers the lowest cost per GB, but Anytime bundles provide the most freedom of use. Social Mega sits in between, balancing affordability with restrictions.
For the cheapest per-gigabyte price, buy Night Owl or large anytime bundles.
For the most flexibility, buy anytime data.
For social media only, buy Social Mega.
How To Stack Telkom Promotions
You cannot stack two promotions on the same bundle. However, you can hold multiple active bundles.
Example:
– Buy 5GB anytime for R149.
– Buy 10GB Night Owl for R79.
– Buy 1GB Social for R15.
Your phone will use data in this order:
1. Social Mega (for social apps)
2. Anytime data (for everything else during the day)
3. Night Owl (automatically between midnight and 6 AM)
This stacking method gives you the best of all worlds at the lowest total cost.
Telkom Data Promotions for Top-Up Customers
Top-Up customers also qualify for promotions, but the pricing is slightly different.
Data Bundle Price Comparison 2026
| Bundle | Top-Up Price | Prepaid Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | R59 | R49 |
| 2GB | R89 | R79 |
| 5GB | R169 | R149 |
| 10GB | R329 | R299 |
Insights
- Prepaid is consistently cheaper: Each bundle costs R10–R30 less than the top-up equivalent.
- Best value per GB:
- Prepaid 10GB → R29.90 per GB.
- Top-Up 10GB → R32.90 per GB.
- Small bundles (1GB, 2GB): Higher cost per GB, making them less economical for heavy data users.
- Large bundles (5GB, 10GB): Offer better value per GB, especially prepaid.
This shows that prepaid bundles are more cost-effective, particularly at higher volumes.
Top-Up customers can switch to prepaid mode to access cheaper prices, but they lose the convenience of automatic monthly billing.
Telkom Data Promotions for Contract Customers
Contract customers are locked into their plan’s included data. However, they can buy once-off promotional bundles if they need extra data.
Contract once-off prices are the same as Top-Up prices.
Fair Usage Policy on Promotional Bundles
Promotional bundles are subject to the same Fair Usage Policy as standard bundles.
– Anytime data: Throttled after 30GB to 80GB depending on the bundle.
– Night Owl: Throttled after 10GB to 30GB.
– Social Mega: Throttled after 5GB to 15GB.
The FUP is rarely enforced on individual users but may affect heavy tethering or router use.
How To Check Promotional Balances
USSD: Dial 180 8
App: Open MyTelkom, view dashboard
SMS: Send BAL to 18801
Your balance SMS shows:
– Anytime data remaining
– Night Owl remaining
– Social Mega remaining
– Bonus data remaining
– Expiry dates
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Are Telkom promotional bundles auto-renewing?
No. Promotional bundles are once-off purchases. They do not auto-renew. You must buy a new bundle when the data runs out or expires.
Can I buy multiple promotional bundles at once?
Yes. You can hold multiple active bundles of different types. You cannot hold two active anytime bundles of the same size, but you can buy one 1GB and one 5GB simultaneously.
What happens to my promotion if I run out of data?
Your internet stops. Telkom does not automatically charge out-of-bundle rates if you have out-of-bundle blocked. To enable out-of-bundle, you must toggle it on in the app.
Can I share promotional data with family?
No. Promotional data is for your SIM only. Telkom does not offer data sharing on prepaid promotional bundles.
Do promotional bundles work while roaming?
Yes, within South Africa. For roaming in neighbouring countries, check the specific roaming terms. Some promotions may not apply.
Can I get a refund if I accidentally buy the wrong bundle?
No. Telkom does not refund data bundles. Double-check the bundle size before confirming purchase.
How do I get the best Telkom data promotion?
Download the MyTelkom app. Check it weekly. The best promotions are app-exclusive and often limited-time.
Are Telkom promotions available to everyone?
Yes, all prepaid customers qualify. Some promotions are targeted based on usage, but anyone can access the lifetime promotions.
Do promotions expire if I don’t use them?
Yes. All data bundles have a validity period. Unused data disappears after the expiry date.
Can I buy Telkom promotions for someone else?
Yes. Buy a voucher at a retailer and SMS the PIN to the recipient, or use the “Buy for someone else” option in the app.
Summary: How To Get The Cheapest Telkom Data
For light users:
– Buy 500MB for R25 via USSD.
– Or 1GB for R49 via any channel.
For moderate users:
– Buy 2GB for R79 via app or USSD.
– Or 3GB for R99 via app only.
For heavy users:
– Buy 5GB for R149 via any channel.
– Or 10GB for R299 via app only.
For very heavy users:
– Buy 20GB for R499 via app only.
– Or 50GB for R899 via app only.
For overnight downloads:
– Buy Night Owl 10GB for R79.
– Schedule downloads between midnight and 6 AM.
For social media only:
– Buy Social Mega 1GB for R15.
– Use for WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
—
Final Warning: Check Validity Periods
Promotional bundles often have shorter validity than standard bundles.
– Weekly bundles: 7 days.
– Monthly bundles: 30 days.
– Long-life bundles: 60 to 90 days.
If you buy a 20GB monthly bundle on the 15th, it expires on the 14th of the next month. Do not buy more than you can use in the validity period.
Official Telkom Support: 180 from a Telkom line or 081 180 from any network.
MyTelkom App: Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.
—
This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Telkom data bundle promotions, prices, and validity periods are subject to change without notice. Always verify current prices in the MyTelkom app or by dialling 180 before purchasing.