If you’re a Telkom user and want to how to switch to prepaid LTE on Telkom, this guide explains exactly how to do it in South Africa. We cover what prepaid LTE is, how to move to it, how to activate data, device compatibility, bundle options, validity, and common questions users ask.
Switching to prepaid LTE offers flexible, contract-free access to high-speed internet, and many users prefer it for work, studying, or entertainment.
What Is Prepaid LTE?
Prepaid LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a contract-free mobile broadband service offered by Telkom. Unlike a traditional contract plan, prepaid LTE allows you to:
- Buy data when you need it
- Avoid long-term commitments
- Use LTE (4G) speeds on compatible devices
Telkom’s prepaid LTE is designed for flexible internet access and works on routers, mobile devices with LTE support, and MiFi devices.
Difference Between Telkom Prepaid LTE and Other Plans
| Feature | Prepaid LTE | Contract LTE |
|---|---|---|
| Contract required | ❌ No | ✔ Yes |
| Flexibility | ⭐ High | ⭐ Medium |
| Monthly payments | Pay-as-you-go | Fixed monthly bills |
| Best for | Casual & budget users | Regular heavy users |
Prepaid LTE is ideal if you want control over costs and usage without a monthly contract.
How to Switch to Prepaid LTE on Telkom (Step-by-Step)
You are on Telkom but because you know you have options, you want to move to Telkom Prepaid LTE. Well, the good news here is that you can do that. Here are a few ways you can switch to prepaid LTE with Telkom:
1. Switch Using USSD
You can make tariff changes through the Telkom USSD menu:
- Dial: *180#
- Follow the prompts to change your tariff
- Select the prepaid or SmartBroadband Wireless prepaid option
- Confirm your choice
📌 After switching, purchase your LTE data bundle to start using internet.
2. Switch via Telkom Store
If USSD does not show the option:
- Visit a Telkom store near you
- Ask a consultant to switch you to prepaid LTE
- Present your ID (RICA verification may be required)
- The Telkom agent will activate the change for you
This method is often faster and more reliable for first-time switches.
What Does Telkom LTE Mean?
When you hear about Telkom LTE, what it means is that gaming, music and video streaming, app downloading and anything that requires the use of the internet will be enhanced. LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, is a new high-speed wireless data standard with increased capacity. It is the most recent generation of mobile networks, replacing 3G.
What Is Telkom Prepaid LTE?
Telkom has options for everyone, regardless of what you are looking for. When comes down to Prepaid LTE, it can be said to be a fixed wireless broadband service that can only be used in one location.
READ ALSO: Telkom Data Deals
This means that, when the subscriber happens to move away from their current location, Telkom has no say in the coverage. Telkom will not be held responsible if for any reason at all, the subscriber does not enjoy the speed or reliability of the coverage.
How to Get Prepaid LTE Data
Once switched, you’ll need to buy prepaid LTE data bundles:
Option 1: Buy via USSD
Dial: *188#
Select your preferred data bundle.
Option 2: Use the MyTelkom App
- Open or download the MyTelkom App
- Login or register
- Tap Data Bundles
- Select your preferred LTE bundle
- Complete payment
It’s often easier and more visual to buy bundles in the app than via USSD.
How Do I Activate Telkom LTE?
Yes, you can activate Telkom LTE yourself. This is what you need to do.
- Dial *101#
- You have to dial this two or three times and proceed by starting the device
- You will do this until you have a confirmation SMS from Telkom
What Do I Dial To Get LTE Data On Telkom?
If you are asking this question, it means that you are already on Telkom LTE and you have exhausted your data but looking forward to recharging it. To recharge or buy data on your Telkom LTE, you have to;
- Dial *188# and click on send
- You will be given the option to choose a preferred package
Alternatively, you can use the Telkom App to recharge your Telkom LTE data. Here is how to go about it.
- If you do not have the Telkom App, you will have to download it at either the Google Playstore or the Apple Appstore
- Once it is downloaded and registered, you proceed to the dashboard
- This should be followed by tapping on Accounts
- Select buy once you are on Accounts
- Then hit on Data bundles
- Choose your preferred bundle type— whether LTE or Once-off LTE
- Then your preferred data package according to your affordability
- Then choose your preferred payment method
- Once the purchase goes through, you will receive a confirmation message
What Is Special About LTE?
Yes, the question that many users and curious people want to know is why LTE? What is so special about LTE that everyone wants to jump on the train?
Let us tell you why;
- LTE means Long Term Evolution
- LTE can also be referred to as 4G
- LTE comes right after the world so much noise about 3G
- LTE is fast. When 3G came, we all wanted to be on it because it was fast and made using the internet a jolly ride. Well, LTE is as twice faster as 3G and who does not want high-speed internet connectivity?
- Wait, did we say LTE is twice as fast as 3G? forgive us— per the conversations that have come up since LTE came to be, LTE is arguably 10 times faster than 3G
- So if people are making noise about LTE, you should allow them because there is everything special about it
Does Telkom Prepaid LTE Work On Any Device?
If you are considering changing or switching to LTE, then this is a safe and reasonable question to ask. It will be in your best interest to find out if what you are switching to will even work on your device.
For instance, if you are using a 3G phone, you should bear in mind that LTE will not be able to work on it because it will not be equipped with the required speed limit.
Therefore, the direct answer is that Telkom Prepaid LTE does not work on every device. It has limitations. If you have an LTE, you can jump on this plan immediately as your phone will support it.
The same is true if you own an LTE dongle or tablet. It is not limited to routers and MiFi devices. It is worth noting, however, that Telkom does offer an LTE MiFi device for a one-time fee of R600.
How Much Is Prepaid LTE On Telkom?
The fact that you get “10GB” of data for only R99 is one of the reasons why Prepaid LTE is so popular.
This bundle, on the other hand, is divided into 5GB of data available at all times and 5GB of data available at night. As a result, if you are not a night owl, you will receive 5GB of data.
You must choose the R149 bundle if you want 10GB of Anytime data. This adds 10GB to your Night surfer data account.
When Does Telkom Prepaid LTE Bundle Expire?
Because this is a prepaid option, there is nothing to worry about for contracts and monthly payments.
Telkom’s prepaid LTE bundle has a one-month validity period (31 days). As a result, to obtain a plan that will last you until the end of the month, you must choose wisely.
How Long Does It Take To Activate The LTE Services After Delivery?
According to Telkom, this might take up to 24 hours after delivery. You may have to exercise a little patience.
Valid LTE Data Bundles (Examples for 2026)
Here are some example prepaid LTE bundles (pricing may vary):
| Bundle | Anytime Data | Night Surfer Data | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 GB | 7.5 GB | 7.5 GB | ~R99 |
| 10 GB | 10 GB | 10 GB | ~R149 |
| 20 GB | 20 GB | 20 GB | ~R259 |
| 40 GB | 40 GB | 40 GB | ~R379 |
| 120 GB | 120 GB | 120 GB | ~R799 |
These bundles include both daytime (“anytime”) data and Night Surfer data valid between 12 am and 7 am
When Does a Prepaid LTE Bundle Expire?
Prepaid bundles typically have a validity of 30–61 days depending on the type. They usually expire at the end of the validity period after activation.
Always check the expiry date when purchasing your bundle.
How Long It Takes to Activate After Delivery
After you receive your LTE SIM:
- It may take up to 24–72 hours to fully activate on the network.
- Insert the SIM into your LTE device or router and wait for a confirmation message.
- If it doesn’t activate after 72 hours, contact Telkom support.
Does Telkom Prepaid LTE Work on Any Device?
Prepaid LTE will work only on devices that support LTE/4G:
✔ LTE-compatible smartphones
✔ LTE routers
✔ MiFi and dongle devices
Devices that only support 3G or older networks will not connect to LTE. Always check your device’s network specifications before switching.
Benefits of Using Prepaid LTE
Telkom’s prepaid LTE offers:
- Flexibility – no contract required
- Affordable data bundles
- Night Surfer data inclusions in many bundles
- Use on multiple devices
It’s an excellent option if you prefer pay-as-you-go connectivity.
How to Buy More Data if You Run Out
If your data runs out, you can:
- Dial *188# again
- Use the MyTelkom App
- Log in and purchase via the Telkom self-service portal
These options give you more ways to stay connected with LTE speeds
FAQs
How Do I Change My Telkom Tariff To LTE?
Changing the tariff can be done by dialling *180# or 180 and following the prompts.
How Do I Convert My Telkom SIM To LTE?
A Telkom user can convert their Telkom Mobile SIM to LTE by simply dialling *180#. Once this is done with a few prompts to fulfill, the price plan changes to Smartbroadband Wireless.
Do I need a contract to use Telkom prepaid LTE?
No, prepaid LTE is contract-free and you pay only for the data you buy.
Can I switch to prepaid LTE using USSD?
Yes, you can attempt to switch via *180# but store support may be needed for some accounts.
How long does a prepaid LTE bundle last?
Typically 30–61 days depending on the bundle purchased.
Can prepaid LTE be used for streaming?
Yes, if you have enough data in your bundle.
Does prepaid LTE include night data?
Many prepaid bundles include a night allocation valid between 12 am–7 am.
How much do LTE SIMs cost?
SIM prices vary by location and promotion; check with a Telkom store or official Telkom website.
Conclusion
Switching to prepaid LTE on Telkom gives you flexible, high-speed internet without a long contract. By following the steps above, you can:
✔ Change your tariff
✔ Activate prepaid LTE
✔ Buy bundles easily
✔ Troubleshoot common issues
This guide reflects accurate Telkom prepaid LTE processes and bundle options for 2026, helping you find the best value and connectivity.
