As the biggest mobile (voice and internet) network provider in South Africa, Telkom continues to attract interest from new users, and questions from old ones. This mobile network provider is known for providing affordable packages which are so cheap that they put the power to communicate in literally every hand.
Many subscribers continue to ask about the Telkom data deals sim only, so as to find out the most pocket friendly packages that they can take advantage of. I listed all the Telkom SIM-only data deals, including prices, and everything you need to know.
Please keep in mind that SIM-only means the data comes only in a SIM, which you may just fix into your mobile phone or wifi device. Also, keep in mind that you do not get wifi devices with these packages.
Telkom Sim Only Data Deals
Here’s a detailed, full-length blog-style article providing a comprehensive overview of all Telkom SIM-only data deals available in South Africa as of mid‑2025:
If you’re exploring Telkom for affordable data plans in South Africa, look no further. That includes everything from basic hourly bundles to high-volume LTE or “unlimited” plans. Most are no-contract prepaid, activated by dialing *180#, or available via the Telkom app. Here’s the full guide.
1. Time‑Based Data Bundles (Hourly, Daily, Weekend, Weekly)
Perfect for emergency top‑ups or light, short-term needs:
- Hourly Bundles
- 150 MB – R 5
- 300 MB – R 8
- 250 MB (3 hours) – R 10
- 400 MB (3 hours) – R 12
- 500 MB (12 hours) – R 15
- Daily Bundles (24-hour)
- 20 MB – R 5
- 150 MB – R 10
- 500 MB – R 15
- 1 GB – R 29
- 2 GB – R 50
- Weekend Bundles (Fri–Sun)
- 100 MB – R 10
- 200 MB – R 19
- 500 MB – R 29
- 1 GB – R 49
- Weekly Bundles
- 50 MB – R 5
- 100 MB – R 15
- 250 MB – R 30
- 1 GB – R 75
- 2 GB – R 100
2. Social Bundles (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram only)
For light usage strictly on social apps:
- Daily Social
- 25 MB – R 3
- 50 MB – R 4
- 75 MB – R 5
- 100 MB – R 6
- 250 MB – R 12
- 500 MB – R 17
- Weekly Social
- 75 MB – R 6
- 250 MB – R 11
- 500 MB – R 20
- 1 GB – R 37
- 2 GB – R 63
- Monthly Social
- 100 MB – R 11
- 250 MB – R 17
- 500 MB – R 30
- 1 GB – R 42
- 2 GB – R 74
- 3 GB – R 105
These are great if data use is confined to social media and messaging.
3. FreeMe Prepaid Bundles (Combo: data, voice, SMS)
Combo packages including general data, social data, streaming, minutes and SMS:
| Price (ZAR) | Bundle Name | Total Data | Social & Streaming Data | Voice Minutes | SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | FreeMe 300 MB | 150 MB | 75 MB WhatsApp, 75 MB streaming | 50 min on‑net | 50 | 14 days |
| 39 | FreeMe 500 MB | 250 MB | 125 MB WhatsApp & streaming | 100 min | 50 | 14 days |
| 99 | FreeMe 800 MB | 500 MB | 150 MB each | 150 + 15 min | 50 | 61 days |
| 139 | FreeMe 1.5 GB | 1 GB | 250 MB each | 250 + 25 | 100 | 61 days |
| 189 | FreeMe 3 GB | 2 GB | 500 MB each | 500 + 50 | 100 | 61 days |
| 289 | FreeMe 6 GB | 4 GB | 1 GB each | 500 + 100 | 100 | 61 days |
| 389 | FreeMe 11.5 GB | 7.5 GB | 2 GB each | 500 + 200 | 100 | 61 days |
| 589 | FreeMe 18 GB | 12 GB | 3 GB each | 1500 + 300 | 100 | 61 days |
| 689 | FreeMe 28 GB | 20 GB | 4 GB each | 1500 + 500 | 300 | 61 days |
These are ideal if you also want calling and SMS.
4. LTE / SmartBroadband Wireless (SIM‑Only) Plans
For high-capacity LTE-only usage (especially MIFI/routers):
- SIM‑Only (24‑month contract)
- 80 GB (40 + 40 night) – R 199
- 120 GB (60 + 60) – R 249
- 140 GB (70 + 70) – R 399
- 180 GB (90 + 90) – R 499
- 240 GB (120 + 120) – R 699
- 440 GB (220 + 220) – R 999
- Unlimited LTE SIM‑Only – R 849 (FUP applies; includes inclusive voice minutes)
- Prepaid LTE Bundles (once-off, no contract)
- 5+5 GB – R 99
- 10+10 GB – R 149
- 20+20 GB – R 249
- 40+40 GB – R 359
- 60+60 GB – R 459
- 80+80 GB – R 559
- 120+120 GB – R 759
- 220+220 GB – R 1059
- Unlimited LTE Bundles with FUP
- Off‑Peak unlimited (midnight–19:00) – R 249
- 24‑hour unlimited @10 Mbps – R 599
- 24‑hour unlimited @20 Mbps – R 699
How to Activate & Modify or Buy Bundles
- Dial
*180#, and follow the menus to select Time-based, Social, FreeMe, or LTE bundles. - Use the Telkom mobile app or website for easier browsing and bundle purchases.
- To access LTE rates and bundles, you often need to change your tariff to SmartBroadband Wireless Prepaid.
Summary Table of Key Telkom SIM-Only Plans
| Type | Package Example | Price (ZAR) | Anytime / Peak | Night Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly / Daily / Week | Time‑based 500 MB (daily) | R 15 | 500 MB | — | 24h |
| Social Bundle | Weekly 500 MB Social | R 20 | Social-only | — | 7 days |
| FreeMe Combo | FreeMe 1.5 GB | R 139 | 1 GB | 250 MB social | 61 days |
| LTE Prepaid (once-off) | 20 GB + 20 GB night | R 249 | 20 GB | 20 GB night | 61 days |
| LTE SIM‑Only (contract) | 80 GB + 80 GB night | R 199/month | 40 GB | 40 GB night | 24‑month plan |
| Unlimited LTE | Off‑Peak unlimited @2 Mbps | R 249/month | Unlimited off-peak | — | 31 days |
Which Telkom Plan Is Right for You?
- Minimal data usage / emergencies: go with time-based (hourly or daily).
- Social-only usage: the social bundles offer truly low costs if you use WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram heavily.
- General voice + data needs: try FreeMe bundles to combine airtime, SMS, and dedicated social/streaming allowances.
- Heavy LTE use or hotspot needs without a contract: choose the prepaid LTE bundles (e.g. 10 GB + 10 GB night for R149).
- Large monthly volume, corporate or home usage: the SIM‑Only LTE contract plans provide high data caps and sometimes uncapped options.
- Unlimited off‑peak usage: the unlimited packages can suit if your usage fits mostly the off-peak window.
Caveats & Tips
- Telkom coverage may lag behind Vodacom/MTN in certain areas—always check your location’s signal.
- Fair Usage Policies (FUP) apply to unlimited plans.
- Support issues are commonly reported—most support is digital.
- Contracts for SIM-only LTE packages are typically 24 months.
- Always confirm most current pricing via Telkom’s official website or latest app versions.
Final Thoughts
Telkom offers a wide range of data bundles across price tiers and durations—from low-cost hourly bundles to social-only, combo plans, prepaid LTE, and even unlimited plans. Its strength lies in flexibility and value pricing, especially for social & LTE-heavy users.
If you’re mindful about your usage patterns, whether you need occasional data, combo voice/data/SMS, or high-capacity LTE without fuss, there’s likely a Telkom SIM-only plan to match.
Want help comparing Telkom versus rival providers like MTN, Vodacom or Rain based on your usage habits? Let me know!
Related:
Conclusion:
The information contained in this post is accurate at the time of publication. However, please note that the company reserves the right to change or cancel any plan at any time, without notification. Please confirm from customer care before making any payment, as the publishers of this post are not liable for any losses incurred from the information above.