Clear answers about coverage, Data Roaming, porting, data, devices, travel and getting help from The Cell C Guy.
We would rather answer the concern before asking you to apply. These answers are based on the regular questions customers bring to our stores and support channels. Promotional terms, stock, approval and Cell C terms always apply.
Yes. In South Africa, keep Data Roaming on. Cell C uses partner-network access on MTN and Vodacom where enabled, so Data Roaming must be on for the connected service to work correctly. If it is off, you may see signal bars but have no internet, missed calls, a failed hotspot, or Emergency calls only. On iPhone go to Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Options → Data Roaming. On Android go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data Roaming.
Cell C was recognised by Opensignal in September 2025 as Joint No. 1 for Mobile Network Reliability, Voice App Experience and Video Experience in South Africa. Cell C has also reported access to around 28,000 network towers through Cell C and partner networks. Coverage can still vary indoors or in particular areas, so check the Cell C coverage map or test a starter pack at home and work with Data Roaming on.
Coverage means the areas where you can make calls, send SMSs and use data. Cell C customers may use partner-network access where enabled, so your phone may show Cell C, Vodacom or MTN. You remain a Cell C customer and your number, airtime, data and account stay with Cell C. Coverage and partner availability can vary by area, device and service.
Cell C remains your service provider for your SIM, number, billing and support. Partner-network access helps provide radio coverage in supported areas, which is why Data Roaming must be on in South Africa.
Yes. You can port your existing number to Cell C. Bring your ID and proof of residence, or start the process through Cell C WhatsApp on 084 444 0040.
A port generally completes within 24–48 hours, depending on when it is requested. Watch your old SIM. When its signal drops, insert the Cell C SIM and enable Data Roaming.
Yes. The Cell C Guy is an authorised Cell C franchise. Current offers are sourced from the official Cell C Connector and remain subject to Cell C approval, stock, validity dates and promotional terms.
Enable Data Roaming, switch Airplane Mode on and off, restart the device, and select the available partner network manually if needed. If the problem continues, reset network settings, enable Data Roaming again, and test the SIM in another device. If you have just ported, wait until the old SIM loses service before inserting the new SIM.
Enable Data Roaming and Mobile Data. Check your balance with *101#, confirm the APN is set to internet with username and password blank, then restart your device. You can request settings using *147# or call 135.
Open Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Network. Set both the Mobile Data APN and Personal Hotspot APN to internet, leave username and password blank, restart the iPhone, and confirm that you have data available.
Video, hotspot use, automatic media downloads and Wi‑Fi Assist can use data quickly. Check your remaining balance with *101# or the Cell C App, turn off Wi‑Fi Assist or Switch to mobile data when appropriate, and buy a bundle through *147# or the app.
On iPhone go to Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data, scroll to the bottom and switch Wi‑Fi Assist off. On Samsung go to Settings → Connections → Wi‑Fi → More options → Intelligent Wi‑Fi, then switch off Switch to mobile data.
VoLTE means Voice over LTE. It can keep calls on the 4G network alongside data when supported by your device, plan and area. Enable VoLTE or set Voice & Data to LTE on iPhone, and enable VoLTE calls under Android mobile-network settings. Data Roaming must also be on when using partner-network connectivity.
Dial *133*1# to view and stop content services you do not recognise, and keep the confirmation SMS. Check your balance and usage using *101#, the Cell C App or 135. If deductions continue, ask Cell C Customer Care to bar content services.
Disable Do Not Disturb, check that call forwarding is off, enable VoLTE and Data Roaming, and select the partner network manually if needed. After a port, incoming calls may take a short time to route.
Your Cell C service may use a partner network where enabled. This can be expected and you remain a Cell C customer. If data stops when the network name changes, keep Data Roaming on and check the available network settings.
5G availability depends on the supported network in your area, your device, plan and service enablement. Where partner-network 5G is available, keep Data Roaming on so your device can attach to the available service.
Use the Cell C App, dial *101# to check your balance and usage, or dial *147# to buy data and request settings.
Try *147# or complete the purchase with us. If payment was deducted and the bundle did not arrive, keep your proof of payment and log the issue with Cell C on 135.
Keep your cancellation reference, cancellation date and final invoice. Request written confirmation that the account is closed or paid up. If a debit order runs after the confirmed cancellation date, raise it with Cell C on 135 and with your bank.
International roaming can keep your current number connected while travelling. Rates and partner networks differ by country, so check the destination rates before you leave. To reduce international data costs, consider the official Cell C Travel eSIM.
It is Cell C’s official prepaid travel-data service for 200+ destinations. It does not replace your Cell C number: keep your Cell C SIM for calls and SMS and use the Travel eSIM for data.
For internet data, use APN internet and leave the username and password blank. For an iPhone Personal Hotspot, use internet as the hotspot APN as well. For MMS, use APN mms, MMSC http://MMS.cmobile.co.za, proxy 196.31.116.250 and port 8080. Restart the device after saving the settings. If MMS still does not work, contact Cell C on 135.
Yes, we can help you with repair enquiries and direct you to the appropriate support or assessment route. Contact us before visiting so we can confirm the next step for your device.
Call 135 from a Cell C phone or 084 135 from another phone. You can also WhatsApp The Cell C Guy from the website or visit one of our Johannesburg stores. Have your Cell C number, area and device details ready.