How to Transfer Data from Telkom to Vodacom in South Africa in 2024

Communication is one thing we can’t do without; having access to mobile data is a necessity that helps us achieve our goals whether it’s personal or corporate. In South Africa, Telkom and Vodacom are among the top mobile network companies; while some people may prefer Telkom, others choose Vodacom and, these subscribers may sometimes, want to transfer data from Telkom to Vodacom. This is not always that simple.

In this article, you will be guided on how to transfer data from Telkom to Vodacom, find out more information about it, and provide valuable tips.

Can you send Data from Telkom to Vodacom?

No, you cannot transfer data from Telkom to Vodacom. Telkom and Vodacom are two different network providers with separate systems, and as such, there is no direct way to transfer data between them. 

This means that if you have a data bundle on your Telkom SIM, it is impossible to transfer that bundle directly to a Vodacom contact.

Each network provider works separately, and the available packages of data are associated with a specific network.

This limitation may be frustrating, especially if you have some data left on your Telkom line and want to switch to Vodacom. However, there are a few alternative options to consider that will be discussed as we proceed in this writing.

How to transfer Telkom data to Vodacom number

Since there is no direct way of transferring your data from Telkom to Vodacom, you will have to explore other options if you are changing networks and want to maximize your existing data. One option would be to exhaust all the data available on Telkom SIM before porting.

It can be used till the data is exhausted, or it can be shared with other friends and families that are using Telkom lines.

Through the data share feature, Telkom allows you to share data with other Telkom users, which can be a technique of making sure the data is not wasted.

Another available option is to sell or transfer your Telkom SIM which has data inside to someone in need of it. This is more of an informal solution, and it involves finding someone who may want to continue using the SIM card.

If you are determined to change your service provider to Vodacom and wouldn’t mind forfeiting the rest of the data on your Telkom SIM card, then it is ok to go ahead and switch. Just make sure you exhaust your Telkom data before you move.

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How to port from Telkom to Vodacom

To change your number from Telkom to Vodacom, you will do it by a process known as porting. Porting involves the process of moving from one network to another while maintaining the same phone number; in this instance, moving from Telekom to Vodacom. So, let’s look at how it works;

Check for Outstanding Balances: Before Porting, ensure that you have no outstanding balance or contract that will hinder the port from being done. If you are on a prepaid plan and have some balance, you may need to use it up before porting. Those airtime or data will not transfer to Vodacom.

Get a Vodacom SIM Card: Visit the nearest Vodacom store or an agent that deals with Vodacom products to get a new SIM card. Please, keep this SIM handy because it will be required during the porting process.

SMS Port Request: Insert your Telkom SIM card and then send an SMS with the word ‘Portme’, followed by your new Vodacom SIM Number (20 digits)  to 082 767 8287. For example, if your new SIM number is 12345678901234567890, your SMS will read: PORTME; 12345678901234567890

Wait for Confirmation: After you have sent the SMS, you will receive notice from Vodacom confirming your port request. This process commonly lasts for a few hours but it may also take up to 24 hours.

Switch SIM Cards: After your porting request has been granted, you will get an SMS alert which will indicate that your number has been ported successfully to Vodacom. At this stage, you are to replace your current Vodacom SIM card with the new one that you have just registered.

Activate the SIM: Insert the Vodacom SIM card into your cell phone and activate it as directed. Sometimes, you may be required to make a call to a specific number to complete the activation of the SIM and porting.

Start Using Vodacom Services: When your SIM is activated, you are free to use all Vodacom services with your previous Telkom number fully transferred to Vodacom.

The other good thing about number porting is that you may want to switch networks but you do not want to go through the tedious process of informing all your contacts about your new number. However, do not forget that your data and airtime from Telkom will not be transferred, so use them wisely.

Can Telkom LTE bundles be transferred?

No, Telkom LTE bundles cannot be transferred to other networks. Telkom LTE data bundles are tied to your Telkom SIM only and cannot be transferred to other networks like Vodacom, MTN, Cell C etc. 

These bundles work on Telkom only and can only be used in a Telkom device or within Telkom network coverage once purchased.

If you have a lot of unused data left, it’s best to use it up before switching networks, as there is no direct way to transfer this data to another provider.

How long does it take to port from Telkom?

The process of porting from Telkom to another network, it can take a few hours but in some cases, up to 24 hours depending on some factors.

The process commences with the sending of the port request through an SMS, which is processed by the receiving network (e.g., Vodacom, MTN).

Once you have initiated the porting request, you are sent a message confirming its submission, and once the request is approved, another message will convey that the porting process is finalized.

During this time, your service might be unavailable for some time, but this may not last for long. Preferably, it is advisable to start the process of porting early in the day in order to minimize extended downtime.

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Can I port from Telkom to MTN?

Yes, it is possible to port your number from Telkom to MTN. The Porting process for Telkom is similar to that of other networks in South Africa. You will have to obtain an MTN SIM card and follow the standard porting process.

This involves sending an SMS with the new MTN SIM number from your current Telkom SIM card. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, the process should not take more than a few hours, and after that, your number will be completely ported from Telkom to MTN and you will be using MTN services with your original number.

How to transfer data from a Telkom to another network?

It is impossible to transfer data directly from a Telkom to a different network. Telkom’s data services can be used only on the Telkom network, and there is no integration process to transfer data bundles from Telkom to other service providers like Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C.

Like it was earlier mentioned, if you want to switch networks, you may have to use up your Telkom Data or transfer it to other Telkom users before making the switch, else the data will be wiped off once you move to another network.

FAQs

Conclusion

While it’s not feasible to transfer data from Telkom to Vodacom in South Africa, you have a number of alternative options that guarantee a smooth transition if you want to switch networks. 

You just need to be fully knowledgeable about it and follow the promptings to have an easy transfer. This will ensure that you can get full benefit of services from Vodacom while still preserving your original number.

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References

• techcabal.com/how to transfer data on telkom to vodacom
• networkbees.com/how to transfer data from telkom to vodacom/
• telkom.co.za/usage tips

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