Choosing a mobile network provider in Switzerland

When moving to Switzerland, one of the first things you’ll need is a reliable mobile phone provider. The Swiss telecom market is dominated by three major operators, Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt, each offering different advantages depending on your needs. Additionally, there are several low-cost providers that operate on these main networks. Here’s a breakdown of your options.

Swisscom

Swisscom has the most extensive and reliable network coverage, especially in rural and mountainous areas. It consistently ranks as the best provider for quality and speed.

Pros:

• Best overall network coverage in Switzerland
• Excellent 5G availability and speed
• Strong customer service and English support
• Good roaming options for frequent travelers

Cons:

• One of the most expensive providers
• Contracts can be less flexible than competitors

Best for: expats who prioritize coverage and reliability, especially if they live outside major cities or travel frequently within Switzerland.

Sunrise

Sunrise has strong coverage in cities and towns and performs well for most users. Its 5G network is expanding, and it offers competitive international roaming packages.

Pros:

• Generally cheaper than Swisscom
• Good coverage in urban and suburban areas
• Attractive international calling and roaming options

Cons:

• Slightly weaker coverage in remote areas
• Customer service can be inconsistent

Best for: expats who live in cities and want a balance between price and quality, especially if they make frequent international calls.

Sunrise also offers attractive deals through Qoqa, a Swiss website that features a different attractive offer in several categories every day. Twice a year, Qoqa offers Sunrise deals, one for mobile subscriptions and another for home internet plans, offering great savings.

Salt

Salt offers decent coverage, particularly in cities, but can be weaker in rural regions. It has improved in recent years and often provides competitive pricing. However, I personally don’t recommend it.

Pros:

• Often the cheapest of the big three
• Competitive mobile data offers
• Flexible contracts with some attractive deals

Cons:

• Less extensive coverage outside urban areas
• Customer service can be hit-or-miss
• Slower 5G rollout compared to Swisscom and Sunrise

Best for: budget-conscious expats who mostly stay in cities and don’t need the absolute best coverage.

Low-cost providers using the major networks

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are several low-cost mobile providers that usually operate on the networks of Swisscom or Sunrise. These providers offer lower prices by cutting out premium services or customer support.

Examples of low-cost providers

• Yallo (operates on Sunrise’s network)
• Lebara (operates on Sunrise’s network)
• Wingo (operates on Swisscom’s network)
• Galaxus Mobile (operates on Sunrise’s network)
• M-Budget Mobile (operates on Swisscom’s network, in partnership with Migros)

Pros and cons of low-cost providers

Low-cost providers generally offer more affordable plans compared to the main operators and often provide prepaid and flexible contract options. Some of these providers specialize in international calls, making them a great choice for expats who frequently call abroad. However, they typically have limited customer service and may not provide access to full 5G speeds or extensive roaming options.

Special offers

Some of the major providers occasionally offer promotions, such as a free PlayStation or another high-value gift with a new subscription. While these deals can be tempting, it’s important to calculate the long-term cost and consider whether the gift really compensates for the overall price of the plan.

Which provider should you choose?

• For the best coverage and reliability: Swisscom
• For a balance between quality and price: Sunrise
• For the cheapest main provider: Salt
• For budget-friendly alternatives: consider Yallo, Wingo, Galaxus Mobile or M-Budget Mobile

Before choosing a provider, consider factors like your budget, network coverage in your area, and whether you need international roaming. It’s also worth looking at not just mobile plans but also home internet packages, as providers often offer bundle deals that can save money in the long run. And yes, home phone services still exist, some might even say they’re a relic of the past, but they can be useful in certain cases!