A Guide to the Best Data Deals & Contracts in South Africa (2022)

Are you searching for the best mobile data deals from the biggest networks in South Africa? We know the search can get complicated with so many options from Telkom, MTN and Vodacom these days.

At Mondo, we want to make it easier for you to find a mobile data deal that’s best suited to your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful, detailed guide with all the data deals in one place to help you compare what’s available right now.

This guide gives you a snapshot of prepaid data options from Telkom, Vodacom and MTN. It then takes a deep dive into 24 or 36-month mobile data contracts available right now to help you make the smartest decision. This guide covers:

• The Best Telkom Data Deals in 2022
• The Best Vodacom Data Deals in 2022
• The Best MTN Data Deals in 2022

Both prepaid and contract data deal options offer affordable rates with an emphasis on data that you can use anytime, on any platform. 

The best data deals available from each network right now are:

Telkom:

• FreeMe
• FlexOn
• Infinite 

Vodacom:

• Vodacom Data Price Plan
• Red 
• Red Core 
• Red VIP

MTN:

• Mega Gigs
• My MTNChoice
• Sky

Let’s get started with our breakdown of each network’s best data deals.   

Telkom Data Deals

In this section, we’ll look at the best data deals from Telkom. 

Telkom Prepaid Mobile Data

If you prefer getting your Telkom mobile data on the go, the service provider offers affordable once-off prepaid options that suit light to heavy internet users. These can be used at any time and on any platform. What’s more, if you have prepaid Telkom mobile at your fingertips, you have access to the most affordable 1GB and 2GB data prices in South Africa. Look at you saving money!

Without further ado, let’s take a look at how Telkom does standard prepaid data: 

Besides the standard stuff, Telkom also offers FreeMe prepaid bundles that can be purchased once-off or on a recurring basis. 

Telkom Mobile Data Contracts 

Prepaid options are great, but for those who require better rates and bigger perks, it doesn’t get better than mobile data contracts. If you’re in the market for the best Telkom Data Deal in 2022, you’ve come to the right place. Telkom recently hit the drawing board and reimagined mobile data in South Africa. The new plans are flexible, affordable, and all-inclusive. It’s mobile data that is designed to take you further for less. Let’s dive into the contract Telkom data plans you can get today.

1. FreeMe

Launched in 2016, FreeMe mobile data contracts offer unbeatable value at great rates that get better the higher your plan. It boasts 6 exclusive plans on a 24 or 36-month contract with an all-inclusive experience, featuring: 

• All-network data (For roaming)
• WhatsApp data (Calls and messages)
• Streaming data (For YouTube, Netflix, and more)
• Telkom-to-Telkom/On-network minutes (Minutes for calling Telkom landline and mobile numbers)
• Off-network minutes (Minutes for calling other networks)
• SMS bundles 

It caters to all levels of mobile data users, from light and standard, to heavy. Plans start from 1GB with a very affordable price tag of R99 and go up to unlimited mobile data for R1189. The higher you go, the more data, minutes, and SMSs you get.  

There are many plans in this contract type, so you can be sure to find one that matches your budget. FreeMe plans include:

FreeMe 1,5GB for R99

You get:

• 1GB all-network data 
• 250MB data for WhatsApp 
• 250MB data for streaming 
• 500 on-network calls 
• 100 off-network calls 
• 100 SMSs

FreeMe 3GB for R139 

You get:

• 2GB all-network Data 
• 500MB data for WhatsApp 
• 500MB data for streaming 
• 1000 on-network  calls 
• 150 off-network calls 
• 200 SMSs 

FreeMe 6GB for R189 

You get:

• 4GB all-network data 
• 1GB data for WhatsApp 
• 1GB data for streaming 
• 1000 on-network calls 
• 200 off-network calls 
• 400 SMSs 

FreeMe 11,5GB for R389 

You Get:

• 7,5GB all-network data 
• 2GB data for WhatsApp 
• 2GB data for streaming 
• 1000 on-network calls 
• 300 off-network calls 
• 800 SMSs 

FreeMe 28GB for R689 

You get:

• 20GB all-network data 
• 4GB data for WhatsApp 
• 4GB data for streaming 
• 3000 on-network calls 
• 1000 off-network calls 
• 2000 SMSs

FreeMe Unlimited for R1189 

• Unlimited all-network data 
• 5GB data for WhatsApp 
• 5GB data for streaming 
• 3000 on-net calls 
• 3000 off-net calls 
• 3000 SMSs 

FreeMe Benefits:

Versatile data plans:

If you’re a light, regular or heavy internet user, there’s a plan to suit your exact needs. 

WhatsApp:

If you love chatting on WhatsApp, FreeMe gives you extra data exclusively for this platform.

Streaming: 

Whether you’re catching up on series, watching movies or binging YouTube, there’s always reserved streaming data to keep you going for longer.

Unlimited internet: 

For those who prefer mobile internet without restrictions, there’s an unlimited plan for endless hours of streaming, gaming, and so much more. 

Get calling: 

Each plan provides plenty of minutes for on-net and off-net calls for those who require plenty of talk time. We’re taking 100s to 1000s of minutes!

Get chatting: 

SMS bundles are another way FreeMe keeps you connected to friends, family and colleagues. 

2. FlexOn

Say hello to Telkom’s newest mobile data plan, FlexOn. It’s all-network, anytime data that’s affordable and lasts for two consecutive calendar months - so you can enjoy your data for longer on your favourite platform without restrictions. It’s straightforward, offering 24- and 36-month contracts with 2GB or 6GB options. 

There are two plans on this contract type, and both are incredibly affordable. It offers:

• All-network data 
• Telkom-to-Telkom minutes 
• All-network minutes 
• SMS bundles

Let’s dive into the FlexOn plans that you can get right now:

FlexOn 2 for R99

You get: 

• 2GB all-network data 
• 500 Telkom-to-Telkom minutes 
• 75 all-network minutes 
• 500 SMSs 

FlexOn 6 for R199 

You get:

• 6GB all-network data 
• 1000 Telkom-to-Telkom minutes 
• 150 all-network minutes 
• 1000 SMSs

FlexOn Benefits:

Mobile data done light:

FlexOn plans are perfect for light internet users who want to stay connected to the internet for browsing, messaging and emailing. 

Connected through calls:

These plans offer on-net and off-net minutes, ensuring you’re always staying in touch. 

Connected through SMSs:

For the affordable price tag, you even have access to big SMS bundles.

3. Infinite

Another shiny, new Telkom Data Deal in 2022 is Infinite. From just R299, you get unlimited access to data, so you never run out. It’s an innovative contract that may seem a little complicated at first glance, so here’s a quick summary on how it works.

With Infinite, you have a choice of two plans – a 15GB and 30GB option. However, this doesn’t mean your data is limited. On the contrary, these options are only restricted in terms of internet speeds. Depending on the option you choose, the fastest internet speeds are available for up to 15GB or 30GB. After the threshold is reached, you’re moved to a slower speed that remains fast enough for surfing, streaming, chatting, and so much more. At the start of each month, speeds are reset. 

Let’s take a closer look at what you get with Telkom Infinite:

• All-network anytime data 
• Telkom-to-Telkom minutes 
• All-network minutes 
• SMSs

Telkom Infinite provides a choice of 24 or 36-month contracts, which appeal to higher budgets. So, if you have extra bucks in your pocket and are ready for the power that big mobile data brings, here’s what’s available right now:

Infinite 15GB for R299 

You get:

• 15GB all-network anytime data 
• 6000 Telkom-to-Telkom minutes 
• 300 all-network minutes 
• 6000 SMSs 

Infinite Max 30GB for R399 

You get:

• 30GB all-network anytime data 
• 6000 Telkom-to-Telkom minutes 
• 5000 all-network minutes 
• 6000 SMSs 

Infinite benefits:

Mobile data that innovates: 

Infinite is Telkom’s answer to the internet done differently – it’s unlimited and more affordable than ever before.

Choice & flexibility:

These plans are ideal for regular and heavy internet users who require big data and don’t mind capped internet speeds. 

High minutes:

With 1000s of minutes at your disposal for both on-net and off-net calls, Infinite keeps you connected to friends, family and colleagues, always.

High SMSs:

Both plans provide 6000 SMSs each, ensuring you’re constantly connected through chat.

Telkom mobile data comparison table

Vodacom Data Deals

In this section, we’ll look at the Best Data Deals from Vodacom. 

Vodacom Prepaid Mobile Data

Purchasing once-off, anytime Vodacom prepaid mobile data offers more options than ever before. That’s because the network provider has recently introduced 4GB, 6GB, and 15GB data options to its prepaid line-up. It has also slashed the price of its 2GB, 50GB, and 100GB bundles, so if you’re looking to save on data, you’ve come to the right place. 

Check out the list of all the standard mobile prepaid options available: 

Besides once-off deals, Vodacom also has other types of prepaid data options, including monthly recurring data, day and night bundles, and once-off upfront deals.

Mobile Data Contracts

Prepaid data options are great, but if you want your bucks to go further and last longer, mobile data contracts are the best options. If you’re searching for a Vodacom Data Deal in 2022, we’ve put together a rundown of the best data contracts you can get right now:

1. Red

Vodacom Red mobile data deals

cater to light, moderate, and heavy internet users, ranging from 2GB to a massive 90GB option. The contracts are 24 months and start from an affordable R69.

The plans include:

• Anytime data: Data that can be used at any time of the day each month. 
• Night owl data: Data allocated for use between 12 am and 5 am.
• Bonus video ticket (24 months): Some plans include extra data for streaming movies, series, and other video content.

There are many plans in this contract type, so you can be sure to find one that matches your budget. Plans include: 

2GB Red for R69 

You get:

• 1GB anytime data
• 1GB night owl data 

4GB Red for R79 

You get:  

• 2GB anytime data
• 2GB night owl data  

6GB Red for R89pm  

You get: 

• 3GB anytime data
• 3GB night owl data

10GB Red for R99pm 

You get:

• 5GB anytime data
• 5GB night owl data
• 5GB bonus video ticket 

20GB Red for R149pm  

You get:

• 10GB anytime data
• 10GB night owl data
• 10GB bonus video ticket 

40GB Red for R199pm

You get:

• 20GB anytime data
• 20GB night owl data
• 10GB bonus video ticket  

60GB Red for R249pm

You get: 

• 20GB anytime data
• 20GB night owl data
• 10GB bonus video ticket 
• 20GB promotional my gig 20 (Prepaid data bundle)

90GB Red for R299pm

You get: 

• 30GB anytime data
• 30GB night owl data
• 30GB promotional my gig 30 (Prepaid data bundle)

Red benefits: 

Freedom to choose: 

Vodacom Red plans have options for all types of internet users, from those who require a light connection to big data users. 

Night surfing: 

With exclusive and substantial midnight data from 12 am to 5 am, the plans ensure your data lasts longer.

Bonus: 

On selected plans, you get additional data for streaming so you can always catch up with your favourite series or unwind with a movie.  

2. Vodacom Data Price Plan 

Vodacom Data Price Plan is very similar to the Red contracts. They’re affordable, straightforward data-only plans that are perfect for regular to high usage internet customers. There are two 24-month options available that offer: 

• Anytime data
• Night owl data
• Video ticket

Let’s check out what’s available right now: 

30GB Data Price Plan for R99

You get:

• 10GB anytime data
• 10GB night owl data
• 10GB video ticket

50GB Data Price Plan for R149

You get:

• 20GB anytime data
• 20GB night owl data
• 10GB video ticket

Data Price Plan benefits:

Mobile data for the moderate

: These plans have enough data to last the month, even if you’re streaming or gaming. It’s mobile data for regular users. 

The right balance: 

Data Price Plan offers a good balance between daytime and night-time data, ensuring you’re always connected no matter the time. 

Bonus: 

For those who love streaming series, movies, and more, you get additional data exclusively reserved for your entertainment.  

3. Red Core Plans

Another Vodacom Data Deal in 2022 that gives you more for your money is Red Core. You can choose between 24-month contracts that offer more minutes for calls or data. We know you are here for more data, so we shortlisted the best plans to enjoy the internet. An added perk is that you earn Vodabucks (rewards) with Red Core and automatically qualify for the Gold tier, which unlocks:

• Travel rewards (Up to 35% off Emirates flights worldwide and accommodation at the Marriott Hotel Group)
• 20GB data once-off
• Video ticket 1GB x 3 months
• Data sharing
• Multi data SIMs
• Red roaming bundles
• R150 off Sweepsouth once-off for first time users 

Red Core plans combine mobile data with rewards and minutes. There are 4 plans in this contract type that range from R149 to R349. 

Plans offer:

• Anytime data
• Night owl data
• Free minutes

 See below for the Red Core plans you can get right now: 

Red Core 1GB for R149pm 

You get: 

• 500MB anytime data
• 500MB night owl data
• 50 minutes 

Red Core 2GB for R199pm 

You get:

• 1GB anytime data
• 1GB night owl data
• 100 minutes 

Red Core 4GB for R299 

You get:

• 2GB anytime data
• 2GB night owl data
• 200 minutes

Red Core 6GB for R349

You get:

• 3GB anytime data
• 3GB night owl data
• 200 minutes

Red Core benefits: 

Keeping it light:

These plans are perfect for light internet users who don’t require mobile data for long hours of streaming or gaming. 

Exclusive rewards: 

It’s mobile data that unlocks exclusive offers, services, and discounts on flights, hotels, and so much more. 

Data sharing is caring:

You can conveniently share Red Core data with up to six Vodacom postpaid SIM cards. 

Data on multiple devices:

Red core allows you to add four additional data SIMs to your main contract to stay connected on multiple devices.

Bonus:

Go further with once-off data and video-ticket data.

4. Red VIP

Vodacom knows how to do mobile data in a premium fashion. Just look at their Red VIP mobile data plans. Similar to Red Core, it forms part of Vodabucks, but the rewards are bumped up. Subscribing to these plans automatically unlocks Platinum benefits, such as: 

• Travel rewards (Up to 50% off Emirates flights worldwide and accommodation at the Marriott Hotel Group)
• Multi-data SIMs
• R150 off Sweepsouth once-off for first-time users
• 5GB video ticket x 3 months
• Data sharing
• Roaming bundles
• Free 3-month Sweat 1000 subscription
• Free Apple Music x 3 months
• Accidental screen cover x 24 months
• Theft cover x 24 months 

Red VIP includes:

• Anytime data
• Night owl Data
• Unlimited minutes 

So, if you’re in the market for a 24-month mobile data contract with a VIP touch, here’s what you can get: 

Red VIP 30GB for R1199pm 

You get:

• 15GB anytime data
• 15GB night owl data
• Unlimited minutes 

Red VIP 80GB for R1599pm 

You get:

• 30GB anytime data
• 30GB night owl data
• 20GB additional data
• Unlimited minutes

Red VIP 200GB for R2099 (Best big data contract)

You get:

• 100GB anytime data
• 100GB night owl data
• Unlimited minutes  

Red VIP Benefits:

For the internet lovers:

With data plans that range from 30GB to 200GB, Red VIP suits regular and heavy internet users. 

Big data:

You will always have plenty of data at your fingertips with these options.

Big talkers:

With unlimited minutes, Red VIP is for those who require unrestricted calls.

Top-tier rewards: 

It’s mobile data that unlocks the most premium benefits that Vodacom has to offer. 

Mobile data sharing:

Make your data go further by sharing it with up to six Vodacom postpaid SIM cards.

Link your devices:

You can link up to four additional SIM cards to your primary contract, ensuring all your devices stay connected. 

Vodacom mobile data comparison table

MTN Data Deals

In this section, we’ll look at the Best Data Deals from MTN. 

MTN Prepaid Mobile Data

MTN anytime prepaid mobile data

has become more affordable thanks to a big price slash, which sees its 1GB data reduced from R99 to R85. This means your bucks can take your data further so you can enjoy the internet with less limitations. With MTN, once-off prepaid mobile data starts from R10 (40MB) and goes up to R999 (100GB).

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll be spending with this standard option:

If you’re looking for more prepaid plans, check out MTN Bozzagigs and Everyday Gigs. These are recurring mobile data bundles, which can be cancelled at any time.

Mobile Data Contracts

Mobile data contracts from MTN give you much more than ever before, ensuring you’re always connected. The plans available keep in line with current internet trends that show we’re a nation that loves big data plans for streaming, gaming, and so much more. If you’re searching for an MTN Data Deal in 2022, we’ve put together the best data contracts you can get right now.

1. Mega Gigs

Perhaps the biggest MTN data deal in 2022 is MTN Mega Gigs, which gives you the gigs you need with a lot of extras to enjoy. If you love using your smartphone for streaming, chatting, and connecting, this option is all you need. In fact, this 24-month contract has revamped mobile data in the country as it ditches SMS bundles and night-only data. Instead, you get the following perks:

• Anytime data
• Minutes
• Data for streaming
• Data for social platforms
• International calling bundles (selected plans)

Plans start from 2GB with a very affordable price tag of just R129 and go up to 25GB for R599. The higher you go, the more data and minutes you get. 

There are many plans available under this contract type, so you can be sure to find one that matches your budget and your needs. 

Plans include:

2GB Mega Gigs S R129pm 

You get:

• 1GB anytime data
• 25 min MTN to any network
• 500MB streaming (Showmax, DSTV)
• 500MB social (Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)

4GB Mega Gigs S R199pm 

You get:

• 2GB anytime data
• 50 min MTN to any network
• 1GB streaming (Showmax, DSTV)
• 1GB social (Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) 

8GB Mega Gigs M R299pm 

You get:

• 4GB anytime data
• 75 min MTN to any network
• 2GB streaming (Showmax, DSTV)
• 2GB social (Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)

12GB Mega Gigs L R399pm 

You get:

• 6GB anytime data
• 100 min MTN to any network
• 3GB streaming (Showmax, DSTV)
• 3GB social (Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)
• R30 international calling

25GB Mega Gigs XL R599pm 

You get:

• 15GB anytime data
• 200 min MTN to any network
• 5GB streaming (Showmax, DSTV)
• 5GB social (Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)
• R30 international calling

Mega Gigs Benefits: 

Mobile data with options: 

If you’re a light, regular or high data user, Mega Gigs has you covered with plenty of options to suit your unique needs.

Reserved for streaming: 

Each month, you get a specific amount of data that’s reserved for streaming so you can get your fix of series and movies.

Reserved for social: 

If you love social media, these plans also give you extra data exclusively to use on your favourite social platforms. 

Minutes that keep you connected: 

You get a good number of minutes to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues. 

Bonus:

A little extra with international calling to stay connected for those far away from you.

2. My MTNChoice

Another comprehensive MTN data deal in 2022 to consider is My MTNChoice, which gives you the freedom to choose from a range of mobile data plans to suit your unique requirements. In particular, if you love streaming on YouTube, you will have plenty of data to keep you going each month, so you never miss content from your favourite channels. These 24 or 36-month plans are pretty versatile with anytime data and night express data. 

It includes:

• Anytime data
• Free YouTube bundles
• Night express data
• Free anytime data once off

Let’s explore the My MTNChoice plans you can get today:

10GB My MTNChoice for R59 PM 

You get:

• 2GB anytime data
• 6GB free YouTube bundle
• 2GB night express data
• Free 10GB anytime data once off

30GB My MTNChoice for R99 PM

You get:

• 4GB anytime data
• 22GB free YouTube bundle
• 4GB night express data
• Free 10GB anytime data once off

60GB My MTNChoice for R149 PM 

You get:

• 10GB anytime data
• 40GB free YouTube bundle
• 10GB night express data
• Free 10GB anytime data once off

100GB My MTNChoice for R199 PM 

You get:

• 20GB anytime data
• 60GB free YouTube bundle
• 20GB night express data
• Free 10GB anytime data once off

130GB My MTNChoice for R299 PM 

You get:

• 50GB anytime data
• 50GB free YouTube bundle
• 30GB night express data
• Free 10GB anytime data once off

My MTNChoice Benefits:

YouTube streaming

: If you love watching creators on YouTube, these plans give you extra data exclusively for this popular platform.

The internet at night: 

For those who prefer midnight surfing, you get plenty of data reserved from 12 am to 5 am.

Considers all users: 

Plans start from a moderate 10GB and go up to a beefy 130GB – the wide choice ensures there’s an option that suits your unique data needs.

Bonus: 

A little extra once-off mobile data to welcome you to MTNChoice.

3. MyMTN Sky

If you want mobile data combined with talk time and a built-in rewards system, consider MyMTN Sky

The contract offers 4 exclusive 24 or 36-month plans with premium lifestyle benefits and discounts, including: 

• Professional cleaning services from SweepSouth
• Outdoor adventures
• Dining 
• Holiday accommodation
• Travel vouchers
• International calling
• Call roaming 
• Two additional SIM cards for data sharing

The 4-tier rewards system unlocks:

• Anytime data
• Hello World roaming data
• Minutes

Let’s unpack the MyMTN Sky plans you can get today:

Sky Bronze 30GB for R699

You get: 

• 30GB anytime data
• 500MB Hello World roaming data
• 1600 minutes 

Sky Silver 50GB for R1099

You get:

• 50GB anytime data
• 500MB Hello World roaming data
• 4500 minutes 

Sky Gold 100GB for R1559

You get:

• 100GB anytime data
• 500MB Hello World roaming data
• Unlimited minutes 

Sky Platinum Uncapped Data for R2059 (Best coverage)

You get:

• Uncapped anytime data
• 1GB Hello World roaming data
• 10000 minutes 

MyMTN Sky Benefits: 

Big data:

These plans are perfect for big data users who require moderate to high use each month.

Always-on connectivity: 

MyMTN Sky is all about massive minutes to stay 

in touch with friends, family, and colleagues. 

Mobile data with rewards:

Do you want to get rewarded while enjoying the internet? These plans provide exclusive offers, services, and discounts for a premium data experience. 

Data for everyone:

Selected plans come with two additional SIM cards for data sharing.

Bonus: 

A little extra roaming data to easily call loved ones or business partners, no matter where you are in the world.

MTN mobile data comparison table

That’s a Wrap!

Now that you have all the info you need at your fingertips with this guide, you’ll be able to make the smarter decision when it comes to getting connected. With so many mobile data deals and contracts to choose from, you can be sure that there’s one out there to suit your needs, your lifestyle and your budget. The best part? Mondo offers you the best data deals from Telkom, Vodacom and MTN all in one convenient place. Just head on over to www.mondo.co.za to find your data package and apply online in just a few easy steps. Inquire about our mobile data deals today and unlock the internet wherever you go.