How to Send Data Bundles to Multiple SIM Cards in South Africa

To send data bundles to multiple South African SIM cards, first confirm each number’s current network, select a valid SIMcloud bundle for that network, prepare the four-column bulk recharge CSV and confirm the batch after reviewing every recipient and bundle value.

Before ordering data bundles

Data products are network-specific. A Vodacom bundle cannot be sent as though it were an MTN, Cell C or Telkom product. Start with a clean list containing:

• The current mobile number.
• The confirmed current network.
• The exact bundle selected from the public SIMcloud pricing list.
• The displayed sell value required for that bundle.
• A useful reference for the recipient, team, project or device.

Use the Network Confirmation Tool for uncertain numbers and the public Airtime and Data Pricing page for current bundle availability.

Choose valid bundles for each network

The single-number Data Recharge screen makes this relationship clear: select the network first, and SIMcloud loads the available bundles for that network. Use the same sequence when planning a bulk file.

1. Confirm whether the number is on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Telkom.
2. Open the public pricing list and filter or search for that network.
3. Choose a bundle that meets the recipient’s size and validity requirements.
4. Record the exact listed product value used by SIMcloud.
5. Repeat for every distinct network and bundle in the batch.

Bundle catalogues can change. Recheck the pricing page when reusing an old spreadsheet rather than assuming the value from a previous month is still valid.

Prepare the SIM cards and CSV rows

The bulk header remains:

msisdn,network,value,reference

For data rows, use the data-specific network code:

msisdn,network,value,reference
0821234567,pd-vodacom,VALUE_FROM_PRICE_LIST,Field tablet 01
0831234567,pd-mtn,VALUE_FROM_PRICE_LIST,Sales phone 07
0841234567,pd-cellc,VALUE_FROM_PRICE_LIST,Survey device 03
0811234567,pd-telkom,VALUE_FROM_PRICE_LIST,Router 12

Replace every placeholder with a current listed value. Format the mobile-number column as text and keep the reference within 30 meaningful characters for this bulk flow.

Upload and place the bulk data order

1. Sign in and open Bulk Recharge.
2. Download the official workbook and keep the header unchanged.
3. Enter one data recharge per row using the appropriate pd- network code.
4. Export the sheet as CSV.
5. Give the batch a recognisable order name.
6. Upload the CSV and wait while SIMcloud validates all rows.
7. On the confirmation page, compare recipients, networks, values and the total.
8. Confirm the batch once, then allow the network time to process it.

Check and reconcile the data results

Use SIMcloud’s transaction reports to review each recipient. Do not judge the entire batch only by a summary count; data orders can have different outcomes per network and number.

For every failed row:

1. Check that the number and network still match.
2. Confirm the chosen bundle remains available.
3. Confirm the failed amount has been returned to the wallet.
4. Create a small retry list containing only rows that genuinely require another order.

Repeated device or staff recharges should use consistent references. This makes transaction exports easier to group by person, asset, project or branch.

Frequently asked questions