There are no current CAT phone contract deals from South African networks. Bullitt Group, the company that made CAT-branded phones under licence from Caterpillar, ceased trading and went into administration. Caterpillar has since licensed the brand to another manufacturer, Orbic, but no new CAT phones have been released under that arrangement. If you want a CAT phone today, you’re realistically looking at older stock, pre-owned or refurbished units bought outright, paired with a SIM-only plan. If you want a rugged phone on contract, you’ll need to compare other brands. To compare phones that are available on contract, see Phone Contract Deals.
Latest CAT Phone Contract Deals
PLAN FACT: This page covers CAT phone contract deals. CURRENT MARKET FACT: No South African network currently lists a CAT phone on contract, and there’s no new CAT model to launch one with.
Here’s what happened to the brand, and what it means if you’re shopping:
- Manufacturing stopped. Bullitt Group ran out of funding, laid off staff and was placed into administration. The CAT phone website and software update servers went offline with it.
- No new models. Caterpillar licensed the CAT phone range to Orbic, but no Orbic-built CAT phone has appeared.
- Existing phones still work. A CAT S62 Pro, S75 or S53 will keep making calls and using data, but these phones no longer receive Android or security updates.
- Manufacturer warranty support ended. Any warranty now depends on the seller, not the brand.
That’s why you won’t find a genuine “latest deal” for CAT phones. If a listing claims to offer a new CAT phone on contract, check who is selling it, what warranty applies and whether the stock is new, refurbished or pre-owned. For current brands that are available on contract, start with phone contract deals by brand.
CAT Phone Contract Deals by Network
None of the major networks currently offer a CAT phone on contract. This table shows the realistic routes instead.
| Route | CAT phone available? | What you’d get | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom, MTN, Telkom or Cell C contract | No current listings | Not applicable | Look at rugged or durable phones from brands the network does carry |
| Pre-owned or marketplace sellers | Sometimes | Used CAT phones in varying condition | Battery health, IMEI status, network lock, return policy |
| Refurbished stock from independent retailers | Occasionally | Tested older models with a seller warranty | Length of seller warranty, who does repairs |
| Cash purchase plus SIM-only plan | Yes, if you find a unit | An older CAT phone on any compatible network | That the phone supports the bands your network uses |
| Rugged alternative on cash or finance | Not CAT, but similar use case | A current rugged phone with active support | Warranty, updates, whether finance involves a credit check |
Why networks stopped listing CAT phones
Networks list phones that a manufacturer can supply, support and repair. With Bullitt gone, there’s no local supply channel or manufacturer warranty backing new stock, so a contract device isn’t practical.
Using an existing CAT phone on a network
If you already own a CAT phone, a SIM-only plan is the natural fit. You keep the phone you have, pay only for data, minutes and SMS, and avoid financing a new device. Check that your model supports 4G on your network, especially in areas where older networks are being phased out.
Popular Models on Contract
No CAT models are currently on contract. These are the models South African buyers still search for, with their current status.
| Model | Type | Software status | Realistic route today |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT S75 | Rugged smartphone with satellite messaging | No further updates | Pre-owned or remaining stock, cash only |
| CAT S62 Pro | Rugged smartphone with thermal camera | No further updates | Pre-owned or refurbished, cash only |
| CAT S61 | Older rugged smartphone with thermal camera | No further updates | Pre-owned only |
| CAT S60 | Older rugged smartphone with thermal camera | No further updates | Pre-owned only |
| CAT S53 | Rugged 5G smartphone | No further updates | Pre-owned or remaining stock, cash only |
| CAT S40 | Older rugged smartphone | No further updates | Pre-owned only |
| CAT S22 Flip | Rugged flip phone | No further updates | Pre-owned or remaining stock, cash only |
What “no further updates” means for you
A phone without security updates becomes more exposed to vulnerabilities over time. Some banking and work apps may also stop supporting older Android versions. If you rely on your phone for banking, email or company systems, factor this in before buying an older CAT model.
The thermal camera question
Many people searching for the S62 Pro or S61 want the built-in thermal camera for trade or maintenance work. If that’s your reason, compare a current rugged phone with a thermal camera from a brand that still offers local support, or consider a separate thermal camera attachment for a phone you already have.
Compare Monthly Prices and Contract Terms
Because there are no CAT contracts, the comparison that matters is between buying an older CAT phone outright and financing a current rugged phone.
| What to compare | Older CAT phone (cash) | Current rugged phone (contract, finance or cash) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Full price paid once | Spread monthly on contract or finance, or paid upfront |
| Monthly cost | SIM-only plan only | Device repayment plus plan, or SIM-only if bought outright |
| Software updates | None | Check the brand’s update policy |
| Warranty | Seller warranty only, if any | Manufacturer or official distributor warranty |
| Credit check | Not required for cash | Usually required for contracts and some finance options |
| Repairs and parts | Hard to source | Check local repair partner |
Terms to check on any rugged phone deal
If you move to a current rugged phone on contract or finance, compare:
- the monthly payment and the length of the term;
- the total cost over the term, including once-off fees;
- the data allowance, especially if you use the phone for navigation or work apps in the field;
- whether insurance is offered, and what it excludes (rugged phones still get damaged);
- who handles warranty repairs, and how long they take.
Double Deals and Device Bundles
There are no CAT double deals or CAT device bundles on offer, since no network or official retailer is supplying new CAT phones.
If you’re buying for a team, for example several rugged phones for field staff, the realistic options are:
- Business contracts on a current rugged or durable phone from a brand a network carries. Check whether each device is financed separately.
- Buying rugged phones outright from an official distributor, then adding SIM-only or business data plans per user.
- Refurbished CAT units for low-risk use cases, accepting that there are no updates and limited repair options.
Be cautious of any “two CAT phones” offer. Confirm whether the stock is new, refurbished or pre-owned, and who provides the warranty.
How to Choose the Right Deal
Start by deciding whether you need a CAT phone specifically, or a tough phone generally.
1. If you already own a CAT phone, keep it on a SIM-only plan while it meets your needs. Plan a replacement before it stops supporting the apps you rely on. 2. If you want a CAT phone for a specific feature, such as the thermal camera, compare current rugged phones that offer the same feature with active support. 3. If you’re buying pre-owned, check the IMEI isn’t blacklisted, confirm the phone isn’t network-locked, test the battery and ask about the seller’s return policy. 4. If you want a rugged phone on monthly payments, compare network contracts on durable models with retailer finance. Official Blackview distributor Rugged SA, for example, offers Blackview rugged phones with a 12-month standard warranty and buy-now-pay-later options. 5. Check the application requirements. Contracts involve credit and affordability checks, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
Other brands to compare
If you don’t need a rugged phone, compare affordable brands that are still sold and supported locally. Hisense contract deals and TECNO contract deals include budget Android phones that may be available on contract, prepaid or for cash.
CAT Phone Contract Deals FAQs
Can I still get a CAT phone on contract in South Africa?
No. No South African network currently offers CAT phones on contract. The brand’s manufacturer, Bullitt Group, stopped trading, and no new CAT phones have been released since.
Are CAT phones discontinued?
Yes, in practical terms. Caterpillar licensed the brand to Orbic, but no new CAT phones have been launched under that licence. Existing CAT phones still work but no longer receive software updates.
Is it safe to buy a used CAT S62 Pro?
It can work for basic use, but it won’t receive security updates, and manufacturer warranty support has ended. Check the IMEI, battery condition and seller return policy, and avoid relying on it for sensitive apps if security matters to you.
Will my CAT phone keep working on my network?
It should keep working for calls, SMS and data, as long as it supports your network’s current technology. Check 4G support for your model, particularly as older networks are phased out.
What’s a good alternative to a CAT phone?
Look at current rugged phones from brands with local distribution and warranty support, and compare them on durability rating, battery, updates and repair options. If you don’t need rugged features, a standard phone with a protective case may cost less.
Can I use a SIM-only plan with a CAT phone?
Yes. A SIM-only plan works with any unlocked, compatible phone, including an older CAT model. You pay only for connectivity, with no handset repayments.