MTN increases their fees drastically after contract expiry and wont assist with an upgrade.

I took a 24-month contract in November 2021 with MTN, due to their best quality network, I was offered an upgrade towards the end of 2023 (couldn't remember when this was). The fee that I paid for the new contract was R369 for a 50GB contract (this contract contained some promotional offers)

on the 28th of July 2025, I received a message saying my contract will expire 9/11/2025. I took this to mean 9 November 2025. I then planned to cancel/upgrade the contract in early October 2025. on the 11th of September 2025. I received a message on Saturday, the 13th of September, saying my contract has expired and that I am on a month-to-month. It further stated that the fee is changing from R321.13 to R1842.61.

This stung me as I did not expect it to expire so soon. I then went to their outlet on the same day for further information. The store consultant confirmed that I now owe MTN around R2100. She further said she couldn't assist any further with billing nor upgrades, then referred me to the retentions department, which only opens on Monday.

Today, 16th of September 2025, I contacted customer care concerning the billing and a possible upgrade. After multiple attempts, I was then told that I could be upgraded since I still want a data package. They offered me a 250GB deal for a year at R389, which is fine. However, I still have to pay the R2100 invoice that has already been charged.

My issue is with paying the R2100, as I don't have it, nor will I ever have it. I have cancelled the contract, but it will only be actioned in October after they have billed another R2100 (totalling around R4200)

So, to anyone seeking to take a contract with MTN, I would suggest that you cancel within a month before the contract ends. Otherwise, the fees after expiry are very hefty. Overall, their network was good to me.