Internet and telecommunications options in Switzerland: Major Providers: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt. Types: Fiber, DSL, Cable Internet. Mobile Network: 4G/LTE, 5G available. Package Deals: Internet, TV, Mobile Bundles. Average Speeds: High-speed connections available. Installation Services: Offered by most providers. Prepaid SIMs: Easy to buy at kiosks. TV Streaming: Swiss and international options. Data Protection: Strong privacy laws. Contract Terms: Typically 12 to 24 months.
Major Providers: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt
In Switzerland, the major telecommunications providers are Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. These three companies offer a comprehensive range of services including internet, mobile, TV, and VoIP. Swisscom is the market leader, while Sunrise is the second-largest provider, known for its award-winning mobile and landline services. Salt is also a significant player, offering competitive pricing and various subscription plans, including internet-only and bundled services.
Types: Fiber, DSL, Cable Internet
In Switzerland, Internet and telecommunications options include fiber optic connections offering up to 25 Gbit/s, DSL connections with maximum speeds of 20 Mbit/s and widely available due to existing copper lines, and cable internet using coaxial cables with speeds up to 1 Gbit/s, though bandwidth is shared among users in the same area. For more information about these connection types, visit the Internet Offer Guide which provides detailed insights into the various internet solutions available across the country. This allows users to make informed decisions based on speed requirements and connectivity technology.
Mobile Network: 4G/LTE, 5G available
In Switzerland, the major telecommunications providers, including Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt, offer comprehensive mobile network services with widespread 4G/LTE coverage and increasingly available 5G networks. These providers, along with others like UPC and Wingo, provide various subscription plans for Internet, mobile, TV, and VoIP services, catering to different user needs and geographical areas.
Package Deals: Internet, TV, Mobile Bundles
In Switzerland, Swisscom offers comprehensive package deals that combine Internet, TV, and mobile services, providing discounts such as the Combi Discount on mobile subscriptions and a Family discount on additional mobile subscriptions. These bundles include fast fibre-optic Internet, a wide range of TV channels, and additional free services like surfing protection, cloud storage, and a service app. For more details on these offerings, you can visit the Swisscom Combi Subscription page, where you will find a wealth of information on package components and their benefits.
Average Speeds: High-speed connections available
In Switzerland, high-speed internet connections are widely available, with Salt delivering the fastest median download speed at 384.65 Mbps among fixed broadband providers, and Swisscom leading in mobile download speeds with 102.53 Mbps according to recent speed tests.
Installation Services: Offered by most providers
Most internet and telecommunications providers in Switzerland offer installation services, which can include setting up new lines, installing routers, and activating connections. The process may take a few working days, and providers like Swisscom often require an engineer to visit the premises for the installation. For more detailed information, you can visit the website of Expatica, a comprehensive guide to living in Switzerland.
Prepaid SIMs: Easy to buy at kiosks
Prepaid SIM cards in Switzerland are easily available at various locations, including mobile carrier stores, electronics stores, airports, and convenience stores like Coop and Migros, making it convenient for immediate access upon arrival. For more detailed guidance on purchasing a prepaid SIM card, visit the comprehensive guide on the eSIM website, which offers valuable insights and tips for obtaining a SIM card seamlessly during your stay in Switzerland.
TV Streaming: Swiss and international options
In Switzerland, you can watch TV through various methods including cable, IPTV, and satellite, as well as online platforms like SRF, RTS, and RSI, which are geo-restricted but can be accessed abroad using a VPN. To explore more about television options in Switzerland, you can visit the Internet Offer Guide. International channels are also available, and some Swiss channels offer content with English subtitles.
Data Protection: Strong privacy laws
In Switzerland, strong privacy laws are enforced through the Federal Constitution, specifically Article 13, which guarantees the right to privacy and confidentiality of correspondence, post, and telecommunications. The Federal Act on the Surveillance of Post and Telecommunications and the Post and Telecommunications Surveillance Service ensure that any surveillance is conducted lawfully, protecting the population's privacy.
Contract Terms: Typically 12 to 24 months
In Switzerland, Internet and telecommunications contracts typically range from 12 to 24 months. For example, UPC Internet subscriptions have a 24-month minimum contract period, with an extra charge for shorter contract lengths, while other providers like Wingo offer subscriptions with no minimum contract period.