If you are tired of counting megabytes and running out of data before month-end, Telkom’s unlimited data plans are likely on your radar. Telkom has aggressively positioned itself as South Africa’s value leader, offering uncapped fibre, fixed-LTE, and 5G packages that undercut Vodacom and MTN by hundreds of Rands per month.
But unlimited does not always mean unlimited. Telkom applies fair usage policies, speed throttling, and network management rules that you need to understand before signing up.
This guide covers every Telkom unlimited data plan available in 2026, including pricing, speeds, fair usage limits, and whether you should choose Telkom or a competitor.
Telkom Unlimited Data Prices: Complete Guide To Uncapped Fibre, LTE, And 5G
Quick Reference: Telkom Unlimited Data Plans 2026
| Plan Type | Speed | Price | Data Cap | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTE Home | 10 Mbps | R447 | 500 GB FUP | Streaming, browsing |
| LTE Home | 20 Mbps | R597 | 800 GB FUP | 4K streaming, multiple users |
| LTE Home | 30 Mbps | R697 | 1000 GB FUP | Heavy usage |
| 5G Home | 50 Mbps | R697 | 1000 GB FUP | Entry-level 5G (low-band) |
| 5G Home | 100 Mbps | R897 | 1500 GB FUP | Mid-band 5G, faster speeds |
| 5G Home | 200 Mbps+ | R1,097 | 2000 GB FUP | High-band 5G, premium use |
| Fibre | 25 Mbps | R547 | Unlimited | Consistent fibre speeds |
| Fibre | 50 Mbps | R697 | Unlimited | Balanced performance |
| Fibre | 100 Mbps | R897 | Unlimited | High-speed fibre |
| Fibre | 200 Mbps | R1,097 | Unlimited | Advanced fibre usage |
| Fibre | 500 Mbps | R1,497 | Unlimited | Ultra-fast fibre |
| Fibre | 1 Gbps | R1,997 | Unlimited | Maximum fibre speed |
Note:
- All prices include VAT.
- LTE and 5G plans require a Telkom router (purchase upfront or rent monthly).
- Fibre plans are truly unlimited with no Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
What Does “Unlimited” Actually Mean?
Telkom uses the word unlimited differently depending on the technology.
Fibre Unlimited:
– Truly unlimited data.
– No monthly usage cap.
– No throttling based on consumption.
– You can download terabytes without penalty.
LTE and 5G Unlimited:
– Not truly unlimited.
– Subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
– After reaching a specific threshold, your speed is reduced.
– You are never cut off, but you become very slow.
Example:
The Telkom LTE Home 10Mbps plan costs R447 per month. It includes 500GB of premium data. Once you exceed 500GB in a month, your speed drops from 10Mbps to 2Mbps or 4Mbps depending on network congestion.
You can still browse and stream standard definition video, but 4K and large downloads become impractical.
Telkom LTE Home: Unlimited With Limits
Telkom’s LTE Home product is the most popular unlimited solution in South Africa. It uses Telkom’s mobile network to deliver broadband to your home, no fibre installation required.
Pros:
– No installation cost. Plug and play.
– Portable. Take the router to your holiday home.
– Available in most urban and peri-urban areas.
– Cheaper than Vodacom or MTN equivalents.
Cons:
– Subject to FUP throttling.
– Network congestion affects speeds during peak hours.
– Not available in deep rural areas.
Full LTE Home Price Breakdown 2026:
| Speed Tier | Monthly Price | FUP Threshold | Throttled Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Mbps | R447 | 500 GB | 2 Mbps |
| 20 Mbps | R597 | 800 GB | 4 Mbps |
| 30 Mbps | R697 | 1000 GB | 4 Mbps |
Router Costs:
– Huawei LTE Router: R999 once-off, or R49 per month over 24 months.
– Nokia LTE Router: R1,299 once-off, or R59 per month over 24 months.
– Telkom Smart Wi-Fi Router: Included free on 24-month contracts.
Contract vs. Month-to-Month:
– 24-month contract: Lower monthly price, router included or subsidised.
– Month-to-month: Higher monthly price (approximately R50 to R100 more), you must buy the router outright.
Who is LTE Home for?
– Renters who cannot install fibre.
– Households in fibre-less suburbs.
– Users who consume less than 500GB per month.
– Backup internet connection.
Who should avoid LTE Home?
– Heavy gamers who need low latency.
– Households with multiple 4K streamers.
– Users who consistently exceed 1TB per month.
Telkom 5G Home: The Speed King
Telkom’s 5G network is expanding rapidly. If you live in a 5G coverage area, this is the best wireless option.
Pros:
– Faster speeds than LTE.
– Lower latency than LTE.
– Higher FUP thresholds.
– Future-proof technology.
Cons:
– Very limited coverage. Mostly high-income suburbs and city centres.
– Signal penetration is poor. You need line of sight to the tower.
– 5G routers are expensive.
Full 5G Home Price Breakdown 2026:
| Speed Tier | Monthly Price | FUP Threshold | Throttled Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | R697 | 1000 GB | 10 Mbps |
| 100 Mbps | R897 | 1500 GB | 20 Mbps |
| 200 Mbps+ | R1,097 | 2000 GB | 25 Mbps |
Router Costs:
– Huawei 5G CPE Pro: R3,999 once-off, or R149 per month over 24 months.
– ZTE 5G Router: R3,499 once-off, or R139 per month over 24 months.
– Telkom 5G Smart Wi-Fi: R4,499 once-off, or R169 per month over 24 months.
Important: 5G speeds are highly dependent on your location. If you are 500 metres from the tower with clear line of sight, you may get 500Mbps. If you are 2 kilometres away with trees in the way, you may only get 50Mbps. Telkom does not guarantee the advertised speed; it is a best-effort service.
Who is 5G Home for?
– Users in 5G coverage zones.
– Households that consume 1TB to 2TB per month.
– Gamers who need lower latency than LTE.
Who should avoid 5G Home?
– Users outside major metros.
– Anyone who cannot return the router if the signal is poor.
Telkom Fibre: Truly Unlimited
If you want unlimited data without fine print, Telkom fibre is the answer. There is no FUP. There is no throttling. You pay one price and use as much as you want.
Telkom does not own most of the fibre infrastructure. They resell lines from Openserve, Vumatel, Frogfoot, MetroFibre, and Octotel. This means availability depends entirely on which fibre network operator has cabling in your street.
Full Fibre Price Breakdown 2026:
| Speed | Monthly Price | Installation | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Mbps | R547 | R999 | 6 or 12 months |
| 50 Mbps | R697 | R999 | 6 or 12 months |
| 100 Mbps | R897 | R999 | 6 or 12 months |
| 200 Mbps | R1,097 | R999 | 6 or 12 months |
| 500 Mbps | R1,497 | R999 | 6 or 12 months |
| 1 Gbps | R1,997 | R999 | 6 or 12 months |
Promotions:
Telkom frequently runs specials. Common promotions include:
– First 3 months half price.
– Free installation (save R999).
– Free Wi-Fi router included.
Router Costs:
– If you take a contract, the router is usually free.
– If you go month-to-month, you must supply your own router or buy one from Telkom.
Speed Notes:
– 25Mbps is sufficient for a household of 2 to 3 people. Netflix 4K requires 25Mbps.
– 50Mbps is the sweet spot for most families.
– 100Mbps is for heavy streamers, gamers, and work-from-home professionals.
– 500Mbps and 1Gbps are for enthusiasts and large households with 6 or more devices streaming simultaneously.
Who is fibre for?
– Homeowners who can install a permanent line.
– Heavy users who need 1TB or more per month.
– Gamers who require low latency and stable connections.
– Businesses and home offices.
Who should avoid fibre?
– Renters who move frequently.
– Areas where fibre installation requires body corporate approval.
– Users on a tight budget. LTE is cheaper.
Telkom Mobile Unlimited: Smartphone Plans
Telkom also offers unlimited data for smartphones. These are not home broadband products; they are designed for use on your handset.
Telkom Infinite Plans 2026
| Plan | Monthly Price | Data (Full Speed → Throttled) | Fair Usage Policy (FUP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinite 5GB | R299 | 5 GB → 1 Mbps | 25 GB total |
| Infinite 10GB | R399 | 10 GB → 2 Mbps | 40 GB total |
| Infinite 20GB | R499 | 20 GB → 2 Mbps | 60 GB total |
| Infinite Unlimited | R699 | 50 GB → 4 Mbps | 100 GB total |
How these work:
– You get a bucket of high-speed data each month.
– Once that bucket is depleted, your speed drops to 1Mbps or 2Mbps, but you can still browse, email, and use WhatsApp.
– After reaching the total FUP (e.g., 100GB), your speed drops further to 384kbps, which is barely usable.
These are not home broadband replacements. They are intended for individual smartphone users.
Telkom vs. Competitors: Price Comparison (2026)
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Price | Truly Unlimited? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telkom LTE | 10 Mbps | 10 Mbps | R447 | No (500 GB FUP) |
| Vodacom LTE | 10 Mbps | 10 Mbps | R597 | No |
| MTN LTE | 10 Mbps | 10 Mbps | R597 | No |
| Rain LTE | 10 Mbps | 10 Mbps | R429 | No |
| Telkom Fibre | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | R697 | Yes |
| Vumatel via Afrihost | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | R697 | Yes |
| Openserve via Cool Ideas | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | R747 | Yes |
| Telkom 5G | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | R697 | No (1000 GB FUP) |
| Rain 5G | 30 Mbps | 30 Mbps | R499 | No |
| MTN 5G | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | R897 | No |
This comparison shows:
- Telkom Fibre (50 Mbps) is priced competitively at R697, matching Afrihost’s Vumatel plan and undercutting Openserve via Cool Ideas.
- Telkom LTE is cheaper than Vodacom and MTN at the same speed, but Rain LTE edges it out slightly at R429.
- Telkom 5G (50 Mbps) is significantly cheaper than MTN’s equivalent plan, though Rain’s 5G option is lower cost but capped at 30 Mbps.
Verdict:
– Telkom is the price leader for LTE and 5G, but Rain is slightly cheaper on LTE.
– Telkom fibre is competitively priced with other fibre ISPs.
– Vodacom and MTN are significantly more expensive for wireless broadband.
Fair Usage Policy: The Fine Print
Telkom’s Fair Usage Policy is the most important document you will never read. Here is what you need to know.
LTE Home FUP:
– 10Mbps plan: 500GB threshold.
– 20Mbps plan: 800GB threshold.
– 30Mbps plan: 1000GB threshold.
– Once exceeded, your speed drops to 2Mbps or 4Mbps depending on congestion.
– The throttle lasts until your next billing cycle.
– You cannot purchase additional high-speed data; you must wait for month-end.
5G Home FUP:
– 50Mbps plan: 1000GB threshold, throttle to 10Mbps.
– 100Mbps plan: 1500GB threshold, throttle to 20Mbps.
– 200Mbps plan: 2000GB threshold, throttle to 25Mbps.
Does Telkom enforce FUP strictly?
Yes. Telkom’s network is heavily subscribed. If you exceed your threshold, you will be throttled. There are no warnings; you will simply notice your connection slowing down.
Can you check your usage?
Yes. Log in to the Telkom website or app, or dial 180 from your Telkom line. Your usage counter resets on your bill date.
Installation And Self-Install Options
LTE and 5G:
– Self-install. Plug the router into a power socket, insert the SIM, and switch on.
– No technician visit required.
– Activation takes 10 minutes.
Fibre:
– If fibre is already terminated at your property, self-install is possible. Plug your router into the ONT.
– If fibre is not terminated, a technician must visit. This takes 2 to 4 hours.
– Installation fee: R999 standard, often waived during promotions.
Can you use your own router?
– LTE/5G: No. Telkom’s wireless plans require Telkom-branded routers. The SIM is locked to the router’s IMEI.
– Fibre: Yes. You can use any standard Wi-Fi router. You do not need a Telkom router.
Telkom Unlimited For Business
Telkom offers business versions of these plans with higher FUP thresholds, static IP addresses, and service level agreements.
Telkom Business Plans 2026
| Business Plan | Price | Speed | FUP | Static IP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTE Business 20 Mbps | R747 | 20 Mbps | 1000 GB | Optional |
| 5G Business 100 Mbps | R1,097 | 100 Mbps | 2000 GB | Optional |
| Fibre Business 50 Mbps | R897 | 50 Mbps | Unlimited | Included |
| Fibre Business 100 Mbps | R1,197 | 100 Mbps | Unlimited | Included |
Key Notes:
- Business fibre plans include priority support and faster fault resolution, making them more reliable for critical operations.
- Fibre options also come with a static IP included, while LTE and 5G offer it only as an optional add-on.
- LTE and 5G plans are subject to Fair Usage Policies (FUP), while fibre remains truly unlimited.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Is Telkom truly unlimited?
Fibre is truly unlimited. LTE and 5G are unlimited in data volume but subject to speed throttling after a Fair Usage Policy threshold.
Can I use Telkom LTE for gaming?
Yes, but latency is higher than fibre. Expect 30ms to 60ms on LTE, compared to 5ms to 15ms on fibre. It is playable but not competitive.
Does Telkom LTE work during Load shedding?
Yes, if your router is powered. Telkom’s towers have backup batteries and generators. Your home router must be connected to a UPS, inverter, or generator.
Can I move my Telkom LTE router to another address?
Yes. Telkom LTE is not geolocked. You can take it to your holiday home or use it while travelling. However, speeds depend on coverage at the new location.
What is the cancellation fee?
– Month-to-month: 30 days written notice.
– 24-month contract: 75 percent of the remaining monthly fees.
Does Telkom throttle Netflix or YouTube?
No. Telkom does not throttle specific applications. However, during peak times, all traffic may slow down due to network congestion.
Can I get a Telkom LTE plan without a contract?
Yes. Month-to-month options are available at a premium of R50 to R100 per month. You must buy the router outright.
Is Telkom 5G better than Rain 5G?
Telkom 5G offers higher speed tiers and higher FUP thresholds. Rain 5G is cheaper but has lower speeds and stricter FUP. Telkom is better for heavy users; Rain is better for budget users.
How do I check Telkom LTE coverage?
Visit www.telkom.co.za/coverage. Enter your address. The tool will show LTE and 5G availability.
Does Telkom fibre include a telephone line?
No. Telkom fibre is broadband only. Voice services are VoIP-based and charged separately.
Summary: Which Telkom Unlimited Plan Should You Choose?
Choose Telkom LTE Home 10Mbps if:
– You cannot get fibre.
– Your household uses less than 500GB per month.
– You want the cheapest unlimited-style plan.
Choose Telkom LTE Home 20Mbps or 30Mbps if:
– You cannot get fibre or 5G.
– Your household uses 500GB to 1000GB per month.
– You need faster speeds for streaming.
Choose Telkom 5G Home if:
– You live in a 5G coverage area.
– You need faster speeds and lower latency than LTE.
– You are willing to pay for a 5G router.
Choose Telkom Fibre if:
– Fibre is available at your address.
– You want truly unlimited data with no throttling.
– You are a gamer, streamer, or heavy downloader.
– You prefer price certainty and stable speeds.
Final Warning: The Speed Guarantee
Telkom does not guarantee speeds on LTE and 5G. The advertised speeds are “up to” and depend on signal strength, tower congestion, and environmental factors.
If you sign a 24-month contract and the signal at your house is poor, you are still liable for the full contract. Always test the network before committing.
– Borrow a friend’s Telkom SIM and test the speed at your address.
– Buy a month-to-month plan first, test it for 30 days, then sign a contract if satisfied.
Official Telkom Support: 180 from a Telkom line or 081 180 from any network.
This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Telkom pricing and Fair Usage Policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify current terms at www.telkom.co.za before signing a contract.