SIM and airtime expiry - how does it work?

Mobile networks may recycle inactive SIMs after a specific time period of no usage. It is important to understand the network's expiry rules when deploying SIMs.  

SIM EXPIRY - PREPAID SIMS

*Active Vodacom prepaid SIMs expire after 83 days of no usage / activity.

• Outgoing chargeable calls are regarded as qualifying activity
• Active data sessions are deemed as qualifying activity
• Outgoing chargeable SMS’s are as qualifying activity
• You can view deleted Vodacom SIMs on the SIMcontrol platform. More info here. 

*Active MTN prepaid SIMs needs a billing event (data, SMS, USSD or call) within the first 30 days after initial activation. After this, the SIM must have a revenue generating event from the SIM (call, SMS or data session) within every 90 days. After 90 days dormancy, the MSISDN may be expired by the network.

*Active Cell C prepaid SIMs expire after 90 days of no usage.

*Active Telkom prepaid SIMs expire after 90 days of no usage.

The impact of SIM activity depends on your specific deployment. To discuss alternative SIM options such as Contract SIMs, Managed APN or dual-network roaming SIMs, please contact our Customer Success team who will gladly discuss different options with you.

AIRTIME EXPIRY

Vodacom Airtime Expiry: 

No Expiry

Out-of-Bundle Data Activation on Vodacom

If you would like SIMs to be able to bill data use against normal airtime, here is a guide on how to activate before deploying.  

MTN Airtime Expiry:
If a customer purchases airtime of less than R15, the airtime will expire in 20 days’ time.
If a customer purchases airtime of between R15.01 and R25, the airtime will expire in 30 days’ time.
If a customer purchases airtime of above R25.01, the airtime will have no expiry.

**Always test SIMs before deployment**

For general information on each network, see here.