South Africans continue to face rising data bundle costs in 2026, while most major network operators still impose strict expiry dates on prepaid bundles. The issue affects millions of users who lose unused data each month despite having paid for it. This matters now as households across Gauteng and the rest of the country rely on mobile connectivity for work, education, banking, and access to public services.
While Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom maintain validity periods on most bundles, a smaller group of operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) continue to offer data products that either never expire or last significantly longer than standard bundles.
ALSO READ: NYDA Business Plan Template — Free Download for Young Entrepreneurs
Why Most Data Bundles Still Expire
South Africa’s three largest mobile network operators apply expiry periods ranging from a few hours to several months, depending on bundle size and price.
Network operators have previously stated that expiry periods are used to manage traffic volumes, maintain network quality, and allow tiered pricing structures. They argue that unlimited carry-over of unused data would require substantial investment in additional network capacity, which would ultimately increase consumer prices.
Operators have also said shorter-validity bundles allow customers to access lower price points that may not be viable if all data remained active indefinitely.
Data That Technically Never Expires
One form of mobile data that does not expire is out-of-bundle data, which is consumed directly from airtime. However, this option is usually more expensive than purchasing dedicated bundles.
Some tariff plans have narrowed this cost gap. For example, certain prepaid plans charge flat per-megabyte rates that work out competitively per gigabyte, while allowing unused data to remain available indefinitely.
This pricing structure has become more common among MVNOs linked to banks and retailers.
MVNOs Offering Long-Lasting or Non-Expiring Data
Several MVNOs continue to offer data products that either do not expire or have extended validity periods compared to traditional bundles.
These include:
- Capitec Connect, which charges a flat rate per megabyte when consuming data from airtime, with no expiry
- FNB Connect, which offers selected non-expiring bundles
- Standard Bank Mobile, which provides never-expiring prepaid data
- MegsApp, which offers some of the lowest-priced non-expiring data bundles
MVNOs operate by leasing network capacity from major operators, allowing them to reduce overheads and offer aggressive pricing without building their own infrastructure.
Rain and the Non-Expiring Bundle Model
Rain remains the only major network operator offering non-expiring data through its top-up bundles.
While Rain’s monthly mobile products expire after 30 days, any additional top-up data purchased on these plans does not expire. This hybrid approach has made Rain a popular option for users who consume data irregularly.
Rain’s non-expiring bundle prices range from small allocations to multi-gigabyte options, with pricing remaining broadly competitive with MVNO offerings.
Providers That No Longer Offer Non-Expiring Data
Some providers that previously sold non-expiring data have since changed their pricing structures.
- Afrihost Air Mobile now applies expiry periods of up to 60 days
- Melon Mobile limits personal plans to 30-day validity, with non-expiring data reserved for business clients
These changes reflect a broader industry trend toward balancing affordability with network management.
Comparing the Cost of Never-Expiring Data
A direct comparison of non-expiring bundles is challenging because providers offer different bundle sizes and pricing tiers.
Where identical bundle sizes are available, pricing trends show:
- Smaller bundles are often cheapest on MegsApp
- Mid-range bundles are competitively priced by Rain, Standard Bank Mobile and FNB Connect
- Larger bundles remain relatively expensive compared to short-term promotional bundles from major networks
Non-expiring data generally costs more per gigabyte than short-validity promotional bundles but offers better value for users who consume data slowly.
Affordable Long-Validity Data That Does Not Expire
Not all cost-effective data needs to be non-expiring to offer value.
Several operators sell bundles with extended validity periods, including:
- 60-day bundles
- 90-day bundles
- Bundles that can be extended if unused
These options are often cheaper per gigabyte than non-expiring data and suit users with predictable monthly usage.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, long-lasting data bundles reduce the risk of losing unused data and help stabilise monthly connectivity costs. This is particularly relevant for households that rely on mobile data as a primary internet connection or use data intermittently for essential services.
Understanding which providers offer extended or non-expiring data allows consumers to match their usage patterns with appropriate products, especially in areas where fixed broadband remains inaccessible or unaffordable.
Why MVNOs Can Offer Cheaper Data
Industry analysts point to several factors that allow MVNOs to undercut traditional networks:
- No investment in physical network infrastructure
- Lower operational and staffing costs
- Integration into larger banking or retail ecosystems
- Data offerings used to support broader customer engagement strategies
These advantages allow MVNOs to operate on thinner margins while remaining sustainable.
Key Limitations to Be Aware Of
Despite their benefits, long-lasting data options come with trade-offs:
- Higher per-gigabyte costs for heavy users
- Fewer promotional offers compared to major networks
- Limited access to bundled voice or SMS deals
- Dependence on host network coverage quality
Users with high monthly data consumption may still find traditional bundles more cost-effective.
FAQ: Cheap and Long-Lasting Data in South Africa
Do any data bundles truly never expire?
Yes. Some MVNOs and Rain top-up bundles offer data that does not expire.
Is non-expiring data cheaper than normal bundles?
Not usually. It is often more expensive per gigabyte but reduces data wastage.
Why do major networks avoid non-expiring bundles?
They cite network capacity planning and pricing flexibility as key reasons.
Are MVNOs reliable?
MVNOs use the same underlying networks as major operators but may differ in customer support and pricing structures.
Is out-of-bundle data always expensive?
Not always. Some prepaid plans offer competitive flat-rate pricing with no expiry.
What Happens Next
There has been no indication from major mobile networks that they plan to remove expiry periods from prepaid data bundles in 2026. However, competition from MVNOs and alternative operators continues to apply pressure on pricing and product structures.
As data usage becomes increasingly central to daily life, long-validity and non-expiring data options are expected to remain a key point of comparison for South African consumers.
