From the end of 2025, we will be phasing out the 3G network to free up space for the faster 4G and 5G networks.
Where possible, we will give affected customers notice of the shutdown.
20 years ago, the third generation of mobile telephony, 3G, made it possible to access the internet while on the move. Today, however, faster and more powerful networks are available in the form of 4G and 5G. That’s why the Swisscom 3G network in Switzerland and Liechtenstein will only be available until the end of 2025, after which time it will be shut down within a few weeks.
Machine-to-machine devices affected by the 3G shutdown include modems, chipsets, modules and control units found in alarm systems, heating systems, lift systems and tracker systems. We will start by notifying customers with these types of M2M device.
Smartphones or other mobile devices may also be affected by the 3G shutdown. We will begin notifying affected customers in spring 2025.
The 3G shutdown will result in some limitations for affected devices. You should therefore replace these devices by the end of 2025 at the latest.
After the shutdown, devices that can only transfer data over the 3G network will no longer be usable for surfing the net, transmitting control commands, sending/receiving SMS text messages or other services.
After the 3G network shutdown, you will only be able to make calls using VoLTE over 4G/5G. Devices without VoLTE will no longer be able to connect to the phone.
After the 3G shutdown, calls to 3-digit emergency numbers (e.g. 112, 911) will only be possible over 4G/5G. Some devices may no longer work for emergency calls despite supporting VoLTE.
Some old SIM cards only work on the 3G network. If any of your devices are affected, they will be marked with an asterisk in our letter to you. You can replace the SIM cards free of charge until the end of 2025.
Devices that only work with the 3G network and do not support regular or emergency calls over the 4G network are affected. Some device generations, as well as some devices purchased abroad, only or partially support the frequencies of the 3G mobile network.
If your device is affected by the 3G shutdown, you should have received a letter from us.
For some devices not purchased from Swisscom, we do not have information on which networks and functions are supported.
The limitations resulting from the 3G shutdown have nothing to do with your subscription, but with the technical capabilities of the devices. Your mobile subscription will continue to run even if you do not change your device. Contact us if you would like to change your contract.
Your account will continue as normal. If you change your device, any credit will be transferred.
No, replacing the SIM card is not enough. The device will still be affected by the 3G shutdown.
The 3G network will only be available until the end of 2025, after which time it will be shut down within a few weeks. After that, the functionality of the devices will be affected. Basic functions such as regular and emergency calls, SMS text messaging or mobile data transmission will no longer be available.
Sunrise(opens in new tab) announced that it will be switching off its 3G network by mid-2025. Salt has yet to make a statement. However, it is safe to assume that the 3G network will no longer be available in Switzerland very soon.
Since most M2M devices are special devices that were not purchased from Swisscom, we cannot offer replacement devices. Please contact the device manufacturer or vendor.
Swisscom has not yet set a switch-off date for 4G and will inform at least three years before any 4G switch-off.
You are on the best and most sustainable network with 5G.
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