South African Cellphone & Mobile Contract Glossary (A–Z)
Plain-English, SA-specific definitions for mobile contract and prepaid terms — from RICA and IMEI to billing cycles, upgrades, and usage charges. Tap a heading to expand.
A
Optional gear that personalises or improves your phone — e.g., protective covers, fast chargers, Bluetooth headsets, power banks. Accessories don’t alter your contract but can affect warranty if they cause damage.
The individual legally liable for a mobile contract in South Africa. The account holder approves upgrades/migrations/cancellations and must settle monthly bills and admin fees.
A manual change posted by the provider — a credit for a billing error or goodwill; a debit for pro-rata charges, device fees, or once-off services.
Non-usage fees for actions like activation, SIM replacement, reconnection, migration, early cancellation, paper bills, or late payment penalties. Amounts vary by provider.
B
The fixed monthly window used to total your charges (e.g., 2nd to 1st). Pro-rata amounts when joining/upgrading mid-cycle and any out-of-bundle usage post into this period.
C
Provisioning your SIM and device on a provider’s network — usually after RICA verification and plan activation. Calls/data work once provisioning completes.
The agreed minimum term of a mobile plan in SA (often 24 months). Early cancellation usually triggers a settlement covering the device balance and fees.
D
Internet traffic over the mobile network for browsing, apps, email, streaming, and maps. SA users commonly buy data bundles or receive inclusive data on contracts; out-of-bundle rates are higher.
E
Your monthly invoice delivered digitally (email/portal/app) rather than by post. e-Bills are faster to access and may avoid paper billing fees.
I
A unique ~15-digit code assigned to your handset. Networks/SAPS can blocklist a stolen device by IMEI. Record it somewhere safe (don’t rely on the phone itself).
A detailed usage log — numbers dialled, SMSes sent, data consumed (typically by date/time and size/duration). Useful for auditing charges and expense claims.
M
Switching to a different plan with your current provider before the term ends. Upward moves may be fee-free; downward moves often carry a fee or reset benefits.
Your specific handset version (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24, iPhone 15). Model choice affects monthly cost, insurance, and likely upgrade timing.
N
The radio/core systems enabling connectivity (towers, spectrum, backhaul). Coverage/speeds vary by area — check local maps for reliability.
The company delivering mobile services (voice, SMS, data). They set plan options, coverage, speeds, support processes, and fair-use policies.
P
A short code protecting your SIM/phone from unauthorised use. Three wrong PIN attempts lock the SIM and require the PUK to unlock.
Moving your number to a new provider (Mobile Number Portability). You must pass RICA and have a compliant account to avoid port rejections.
Top up airtime or bundles and use services until the balance runs out. No long-term commitment; ideal for budget control or secondary numbers.
A unique code from your provider to unlock a SIM after 3 wrong PIN attempts. 10 wrong PUK entries can permanently disable the SIM.
R
Money paid back for bill corrections, overpayments, or unused credits — subject to the provider’s refund policy and timelines.
By law, every SIM must be registered with valid ID and proof of residence before activation. No RICA = no service. Helps combat fraud and SIM-related crime.
S
Sometimes distinct from the network operator, a service provider manages sales, billing, and support for customers on behalf of the network or as a branded reseller.
The small card or embedded eSIM that authenticates you on the network. It stores identifiers and may store contacts. Replacing a SIM typically requires RICA again.
The fixed amount you pay each month for your plan (and financed device where applicable). Excludes out-of-bundle usage and once-off admin/value-added fees.
U
Once your minimum term ends (commonly 24 months), you can renew the contract — often with a new handset and refreshed allowances. Early upgrades may require settling the device balance.
Variable costs for activity not covered by your allowance — e.g., out-of-bundle data, international calls, premium SMS, or roaming. Manage these in your provider app.
W
Manufacturer coverage for defects (often 12–24 months in SA). Accidental damage is excluded unless you hold separate device insurance.
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