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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many people were dissatisfied with the customer service, finding it unhelpful and difficult to reach a real person. They also encountered issues with billing and charges. Reviewers frequently reported problems with contacting the company, noting long wait times and unaddressed queries. Some people were dissatisfied with the service and staff, citing arrogance and rudeness from support staff, and a general lack of accountability. Conversely, a small portion of people felt satisfied with the service, highlighting responsive and friendly customer service, good network coverage, and helpful staff in stores.

What people talk about most

Service

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of service. Many customers express significant dissatisfaction, citing... See more

Customer service

Clients share negative opinions on customer service, frequently citing poor communication, long response... See more

Customer communications

Reviewers express significant frustration with contact methods. Many customers report receiving an excessive... See more

Staff

People report ambiguous experiences with staff. Many customers praise specific employees for being helpful,... See more

Payment

Users describe negative interactions with payment. Many customers report being charged despite contract... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Overall we stay with Cell C for over 15 years, other providers will agnoledge your loyalty,but Cell C Somerset mall not at all,we upgraded again, we wanted to go to Vodacom, but said to my wife, w... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

BAD SERVICE FROM CELL C....I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO ANY OF MY FRIENDS OF FAMILY, I HAVE BEEN CALLING, EMAILING AND NO ONE CAN EVEN GIVE MY A POSITIVE OUTCOME TO WHY MY SIM CARD IS STILL NO ACTIVAT... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Cell C sold me a refurbished iPhone 12 after persuading me away from an iPhone 13. I was assured it was “as good as new.” It failed completely within months. Apple confirmed a hardware failure. D... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am actually glad that i had to block my number with cell c, after this experience i will be moving to a new network provider. Cell C has always been useless


2.2

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

237 reviews

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst service…

In my life i have never worked with such incomponent people,they treat you like they doing you a favour being there.cant wait for my contract to expire so i can move to another service provider and this after being with them.for over 10 years.

April 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

What is this that I'm being called 15…

What is this that I'm being called 15 times a day, 1 to twice a week. Ive never had a simcard or anything related to Cell C. Can not attach screenshots otherwise i would. Not happy with this and always calling when im working night shift

April 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Cell C representative Michelle was not honest to me

A Cell C representative, Michelle, phoned me to inform me that I was due an upgrade and to tell me of the Cell C offers. I explained that, as an older and technologically challenged person I prefer to do this in-store, where the new phone can be set up by a staff member according to my needs. Michelle ASSURED and PROMISED me that I could agree to the contract she was offering me, and once the phone was delivered, I could take it into the store and get it set up as everyone was part of Cell C and working towards the same goal. Well, she lied. This is not how it works. I am so grateful to the wonderful Nellie of Cell C Cresta who, despite some issues with the set up process, patiently and calmly did it all for me. Michelle, you are a disgrace to Cell C, Nellie, you restored my faith in Cell C - thank you.

March 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Cell C Response = Harassment, Not Resolution

Following my previous complaint, Cell C responded publicly stating that my matter would receive “urgent attention.”

What followed is completely unacceptable.

Within a span of roughly 70 minutes, I received 5 phone calls from Cell C, none of which I could answer due to work commitments. Not a single voicemail was left. I was then sent an SMS with a reference number (60323xxxx6), which I cannot respond to.

This is not customer service — it is disruptive and unprofessional.

Let me be clear:
I have already communicated clearly and in writing what I require
I have requested written confirmation via email multiple times
My situation does not require a phone call — it requires action and documentation

Why is it so difficult to respond to a straightforward cancellation request via email, especially after repeated written communication?

Constantly calling a customer during working hours, without leaving a message or following the requested communication channel, shows a complete disregard for the customer’s time and instructions.

My requirement remains unchanged:
Written email confirmation that my contract cancellation has been processed
Confirmation that the contract will terminate on the agreed date
Confirmation that no further billing will occur thereafter

I do not want repeated phone calls. I want a clear written response for my records.

This ongoing experience only reinforces my earlier point regarding the level of service at Cell C.

March 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have been experiencing connectivity…

I have been experiencing connectivity issues in different parts of Cape Town.
I had data but I couldn’t access any of my apps due to no connectivity.
I even went for emergency recharge but the network was still very bad.
I was in a real emergency and I couldn’t message or call.

February 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I purchased a honor x5b and recharged…

I purchased a honor x5b and recharged with R30 airtime to qualify for the benefit on cell c air time and data,the device remained on at the store from the date of purchase until collection on the Saturday,still there was no free minutes or data as stipulated,I even bought another R35 airtime hoping that the package will be received,on the Tuesday since nothing was happening I removed the sim card as I wanted to gift the device as a Christmas present,I made numerous enquiries but cell c keeps beating around the bush,it's 2 months now and it's my first time experiencing this kind of treatment,I even told the consultant who called me that cell c was only awaiting for the 2month special to end and iltell the customer that they don't qualify
I am not subjected to keep a SIM sim card for 6months in the phone if it is not my network provider and neither do I have a contact with cell c
Mashooda Maja 0824884715
,as per query on phone number 0629605072

November 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The staff at Cell C Cavendish gives poor customer service..all the up to the store manager.

I was billed twice R551.01 and assured by Raeeza and the Cell C Cavendish store manager I would not be charged in Feb.as I have overpaid..On 2nd Feb 2026 again I got funds deducted from my account..the service from Reeza as well as the store manager is extremely poor.They don't contact me even though I have reached out daily...I do not recommend this Cell C Cavendish branch as I am yet to receive a refund or a call from the manager...

February 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very disappointing experience with Cell C

In June 2023, I agreed telephonically to a handset-only contract. I did not knowingly agree to, request, or use a Cell C SIM card, data service, or mobile contract.

Despite this, I was charged for over two and a half years for a mobile/data contract that I never knowingly agreed to and never used.

When I queried the charges:

I was told the contract was cancelled, yet I was still charged

I was later told the charges were valid and “enforceable”

I requested the contract and call recording multiple times — Cell C has still not provided them

Cell C now claims they reviewed the call recording internally and that the terms were explained, but they refuse to share this recording or any written contract with me.

Customer support has been extremely poor:

Emails were ignored

No statements or contract were sent during the contract period

I received automated “How was our service?” emails while my actual queries went unanswered

Because Cell C has refused to provide proof or resolve the issue, I have escalated the matter to the relevant regulatory bodies.

I strongly advise anyone dealing with Cell C to:

Insist on written contracts

Request statements regularly

Monitor debit orders closely

This situation could have been avoided with transparency and proper customer care.

February 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am extremely disappointed with the…

I am extremely disappointed with the level of service I have received from this CellC provider. Despite making my payment on time, my account was not updated accordingly, which caused unnecessary inconvenience and frustration. Attempts to resolve the issue were met with poor communication, long response times, and a lack of accountability from customer support.

There was no clear explanation provided, and I had to follow up multiple times just to get basic assistance. As a paying customer, I expected better efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.

Unfortunately, this experience has significantly reduced my confidence in the service, and I would not recommend this provider

February 4, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My Cell C contract SIM card has not…

My Cell C contract SIM card has not been working since 23 January. Cell C is fully aware of the problem, yet there has been no resolution and no timeline provided.

This is my business phone number. As a direct result of Cell C’s failure to restore the service, I am losing business opportunities and income. Despite reporting the issue and following up, I have received **no meaningful assistance, no escalation, and no communication indicating when—or if—the issue will be resolved.

For a contracted service, this level of unreliability and lack of accountability is unacceptable. A mobile network provider should understand that prolonged downtime, especially for business customers, has serious financial consequences.

At this point, I am paying for a service that Cell C is not delivering, with no clear plan to fix the problem. I would not recommend Cell C to anyone who relies on their mobile service for business or critical communication.

January 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My 2025 with cell c proves that…

My 2025 with cell c proves that everyone deserves second chances in life 😉I'm saying this because I've been seeing bad reviews about cell c and i decided to try it out and i don't regret because I've been getting great data deal🥳 a great network and until today nothing has changed🥰 it is actually getting better🤭 #unstoppablewithcellc

January 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My 2025 with Cell C proves that…

My 2025 with Cell C proves that consistency and reliability really matter when it comes to a network. From strong coverage and affordable data deals to stable connectivity when I needed it most, Cell C showed up for me throughout the year. Whether it was staying connected for work, content, or everyday life, the service was dependable and hassle-free. Overall, Cell C made 2025 smoother, more connected, and definitely worth it.

January 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My 2025 with Cell C proves that…

My 2025 with Cell C proves that reliable data and affordable packages really do make a difference in everyday life. Whether I was studying, creating content, or staying connected with the people who matter most, Cell C consistently kept me online without stress. The network has shown up when I needed it, offering flexibility, value, and convenience. That’s why I’m sticking with Cell C in 2026 — because it works for my lifestyle and continues to deliver what I need, when I need it.

January 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My 2025 with Cell C proves that no…

My 2025 with Cell C proves that no economic inflation formed shall ever leave me broke, I am still sticking with Cell C because I get affordable data packages and during loading shedding I still have network which allows me to continue streaming and make use of my phone without any network issues.

January 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’ve been a customer with Cell C for…

I’ve been a customer with Cell C for many years, but over the last few months the experience has become extremely frustrating.

I’ve been contacted repeatedly — on a weekly basis, if not more often — regarding an upgrade. I’ve clearly stated multiple times that I’m not interested and asked not to be contacted again, yet the calls continued.

I then contacted head office and requested to be removed from the calling list. I was told this had been done. Unfortunately, this was not true. After a few weeks of silence, the calls started again.

I contacted head office once more and asked to speak to a manager, but the conversation was unsuccessful and the issue remains unresolved.

This level of persistent contact despite repeated requests to stop is disappointing and unacceptable.

January 19, 2026
Unprompted review

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