Mobile reception is often limited in homes that are well insulated or have modern concrete walls. Over the next few weeks, customers will experience an improvement in reception as the network is expanded to include the newly available UMTS and LTE frequencies. In addition, Swisscom is using a new technology to greatly enhance reception quality inside buildings. WLAN interworking lets customers telephone at home on their WLAN network. Calls are made on their normal mobile phone number so they do not need to open a separate app. They can also be reached at any time on their mobile number via their WLAN network. The new technology will be expanded by Swisscom over the coming months, tested rigorously and is due to go live in the second half of 2015.
Currently mobile phones are programmed to automatically search for the best reception and join the 2G, 3G or 4G/LTE network. WLAN interworking lets a mobile phone also use the WLAN network, which routes calls onto the mobile phone network. Calls are not interrupted by the switch between networks. If reception at home on the WLAN is better than on the mobile network, the mobile phone selects WLAN. Customers benefit from a significantly improved mobile phone reception when using their phone indoors. Swisscom customers can use this service in Switzerland at no extra charge. Calls are charged at the same rate as standard calls on the mobile network and are included for the two million customers using Natel Infinity. The first smartphones supporting the new technology will be launched over the coming months.
Swisscom
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media@swisscom.com