MTN Confirms Price Hikes as Operating Costs Rise in South Africa

MTN South Africa has confirmed that contract prices will increase by an average of 4.4 percent per month starting from 1 February 2026. The company explained that the adjustment is required to protect service quality in the face of ongoing operational challenges.

These challenges include widespread network vandalism, frequent theft of batteries and backup generators, sharply rising electricity costs and general economic pressure. MTN stressed that it has kept the increases as low as possible under the circumstances.

Subscription fees for contract customers will rise by an average of 8.3 percent, while out of bundle voice call rates will go up by an average of 7 percent. The cost of USSD sessions will increase from 20 cents to 22 cents for every 20 seconds. Itemised billing, where customers have selected this option, will cost R20 per month instead of the current R19.

Insurance premiums, device installments , out of bundle data rates, SMS and MMS charges and all add on bundle prices will stay exactly the same.

To soften the impact and add value for customers, anyone on an airtime based Flexi or Mega Flex plan will automatically receive 18 percent more airtime each month at no additional cost.

Several standard usage rates will also remain unchanged, including out of bundle data at 29 cents per megabyte, local SMS at 35 cents, local MMS at 70 cents, international SMS at R1.69 and international MMS at R2.50.

The new out of bundle rates will apply from 1 February 2025. Revised subscription fees and the increased airtime allocation for Flexi plans will take effect on each customers normal billing date, which usually falls on the 1st, 12th, 17th or 27th of the month.

MTN stated that these adjustments are essential to maintain network stability and continue improving service quality as data and connectivity demand keeps growing. As the company celebrates thirty years of operation in South Africa, it reaffirmed its focus on delivering value, innovation and reliable connectivity for the future.

Customers are being informed of the changes individually through SMS and email notifications sent between 12 December 2024 and 29 January 2025. Device instalment amounts will not be affected by the price adjustment. Anyone who signs a new contract, upgrades or adds extra lines during January 2025 will move to the new pricing structure from February onwards.

MTN is encouraging all customers to download and use the MTN App to set spending limits, track usage, buy affordable bundles and view statements or invoices. Monthly bills will continue to be delivered by email or post as usual.