A data contract gives you a fixed monthly data allocation, usually for a router, MiFi, tablet, laptop or phone, billed on a debit order over a set term or month-to-month. The right one depends on how much data you use, when you use it (anytime or night data), whether you need a device, and how long you’re willing to commit.
This page focuses on data-led contracts. For phone, SIM-only and device deals together, see the main Contract Deals hub.
Compare Data Contract Deals
CURRENT MARKET FACT (checked 25 September 2026 on MTN’s deals shop and Telkom’s deal listings, and in Cell C’s Connector Book valid 22 September to 2 November 2026): these were the data-contract prices listed on the day.
| Deal | Provider | Data | Monthly | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmartData | Cell C | 20GB (10GB anytime + 10GB night) | R109 PM | x24 |
| Tozed M36 4G MiFi | MTN | Device deal | R149 PM | x36 |
| SmartData | Cell C | 40GB (20GB + 20GB) | R169 PM | x24 |
| SmartData | Cell C | 50GB (30GB + 20GB) | R219 PM | x24 |
| Home LTE + HUAWEI E5576 router | Telkom | 80GB anytime + 80GB Night Surfer | from R249 PM | x24 |
| SmartData | Cell C | 90GB (50GB + 40GB) | R279 PM (was R429) | x24 |
| ZTE home router | MTN | Router deal | from R339 PM | x12 |
| SmartData | Cell C | 200GB (100GB + 100GB) | R349 PM (was R635) | x24 |
| 5G home router | MTN | Router deal | from R369 PM | x12 |
Read the split before the headline number. Cell C’s 20GB at R109 is 10GB anytime plus 10GB night data, and night data is only usable in set hours — so the usable daytime allocation is half the advertised figure. The same applies to Telkom’s 80GB + 80GB package. A smaller all-anytime allocation can be worth more than a larger split one.
Two costs sit outside the monthly price. Cell C charges a once-off SIM and connection fee of R199 on every contract, and a router is usually extra: Cell C adds a pocket router at R30 PM x24 or a home router from R80 PM x24, while MTN’s router deals above run on a shorter 12-month term than its data contracts.
Data contracts look similar on the surface, but a few details change the real value.
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Anytime vs night data | Night data can only be used in set hours, so a large headline total may include data you can’t use during the day |
| Rollover | Some plans carry unused data into the next month; others expire it |
| Device included or SIM-only | A router, MiFi or laptop adds to the monthly cost and the term |
| Contract term | Fixed terms of 12, 24 or 36 months vs month-to-month SIM-only |
| Out-of-bundle rules | Whether you’re billed automatically or asked to buy a bundle first |
| Network coverage at your address | LTE and 5G performance varies by location |
| Fair usage policy | “Unlimited” plans can be managed or slowed after a threshold |
Current Data Contract Deals
Network data offers change often. Telkom’s catalogue for 7 September to 6 October 2026 lists unlimited LTE deals, SIM-only LTE data plans and laptop and tablet deals bundled with an LTE data plan and MiFi router (checked September 2026). Its unlimited plans carry a fair usage policy.
Vodacom’s published terms for its large data plans describe SIM-only pricing, with deals that include modems, routers and tablets made available through its sales channels and service providers.
Common data deal types
- SIM-only data contract: a data SIM on a monthly plan. You use your own router, MiFi, tablet or phone.
- Router or MiFi deal: a data plan bundled with a home or portable LTE or 5G device.
- Tablet or laptop with data: a device financed over the term with a data plan attached.
- Unlimited or uncapped LTE: a plan without a monthly data cap, subject to a fair usage policy.
- Month-to-month plans: shorter commitment, no device, and typically easier to cancel.
Monthly Prices and Contract Terms
What you pay each month depends on the data size, whether a device is included, and the term.
Term options
- 12, 24 or 36 months: Vodacom’s large data plan terms list these options.
- Fixed term with a device, or month-to-month SIM-only: Telkom’s Mobile Data FAQ describes both routes.
- Month-to-month subscriptions: Vodacom’s PowerFlex, for example, is sold as a month-to-month plan without a long-term contract.
After the term ends
Vodacom’s terms say its data contracts continue month-to-month after the initial period unless either party gives 20 business days’ written notice. Check your contract end date so you can renegotiate, upgrade or cancel.
Budget beyond the monthly fee
- Once-off SIM, connection or activation fees;
- Out-of-bundle data if you exceed your allocation;
- The device’s value, if you cancel a fixed-term deal early.
What Is Included
Most data contracts include:
- A monthly data allocation, often anytime data, sometimes with night data added;
- A data SIM, and a device if you chose a bundle;
- A spend or credit limit for usage beyond your plan.
What “unlimited” actually means
Unlimited is a marketing label, and the terms underneath it vary by provider. Before signing an unlimited data deal, check:
- the fair use threshold and the speed you drop to once you pass it;
- whether the uncapped portion is time-restricted, such as night-only;
- the device type the plan is sold for — phone, router or laptop;
- whether tethering is allowed;
- what happens if the line is used for something the terms exclude.
A capped plan with a large anytime allowance frequently beats an unlimited plan with a low threshold. Compare the terms, not the word.
Night data windows differ
Vodacom’s Night Owl data is available between 00h00 and 05h00. Telkom’s Night Surfer data runs from 12am to 7am. If you work or stream in the evening, weight anytime data more heavily.
Rollover and expiry
Telkom’s Mobile Data FAQ says unused inclusive anytime data rolls over to the end of the next calendar month, and is used before your new allocation. Vodacom’s large data plan terms say bundles expire within 60 days or at the end of the following calendar month.
Out-of-bundle
On Vodacom’s large data plans, out-of-bundle data is only charged if you’ve opted in to out-of-bundle spend. Telkom directs Mobile Data users to an out-of-bundle page where they can stop browsing, buy a bundle or continue at the out-of-bundle rate.
Networks, Retailers or Providers to Compare
| Network | Data contract routes to check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Large data plans on 12, 24 or 36 months; SIM-only; router, modem and tablet deals via sales channels | Night Owl data 00h00 to 05h00 |
| Telkom | Mobile Data on fixed term with device or month-to-month SIM-only; unlimited LTE; laptop and tablet deals | Night Surfer data 12am to 7am; fair usage on unlimited |
| MTN | Data SIM and router contracts | Check current terms on MTN’s site |
| Cell C | Data SIM and device contracts | Check current terms on Cell C’s site |
Retailers may also sell network data contracts and routers. The contract is still with the network, so compare the same terms.
How to Choose the Right Deal
1. Check your real usage. Look at the last three months of data use on your phone or router. 2. Separate anytime from night data. Only count night data if you’ll use it in that window. 3. Check coverage at your address. LTE and 5G performance depends on location and network conditions. Telkom’s FAQ describes its data service as best-effort, with speeds that vary. 4. Decide if you need a device. If you already have a compatible router or tablet, a SIM-only data contract avoids financing another device. 5. Pick the term. Month-to-month suits changing needs; a fixed term may suit you if you want a bundled device. 6. Prepare for vetting. Postpaid data contracts may involve credit vetting. Telkom lists an ID or passport, recent payslip, three-month bank statement and proof of residence.
Related options
If you need a new handset with your data, compare phone contract deals. If you want minutes, SMSs and data on your own phone without a device, compare SIM card contract deals.
Data Contract Deals FAQs
What is the difference between a data contract and a phone contract?
A data contract is built around a data allocation, usually for a router, MiFi, tablet or laptop, and may not include minutes. A phone contract includes a handset plus minutes, SMSs and data.
Is unlimited data really unlimited?
Unlimited plans are usually subject to a fair usage policy. Telkom’s catalogue notes this on its unlimited deals. Read the policy to see what happens after heavy use.
Can I get a data contract without a device?
Yes. SIM-only data contracts are available. Telkom offers month-to-month SIM-only Mobile Data, and Vodacom’s large data plans are priced SIM-only.
Does unused data roll over?
It depends on the plan. Telkom’s Mobile Data plans roll unused anytime data to the end of the next calendar month. Check each network’s rollover rules.
Do data contracts need a credit check?
Postpaid data contracts may involve credit vetting. Month-to-month subscriptions such as Vodacom’s PowerFlex are sold without a credit check, according to Vodacom.