Universal service provision: landline telephony and Internet for every Swiss household
Universal service ensures that the whole of Switzerland has access to the fixed-telephone network and Internet (TV is not included in universal service). Swisscom provides all households upon request with fixed-line access and Internet access with a free router. Find out more about our services and options:
Our universal supply offerings
Combination offers
Universal service via a satellite solution
Remote locations that are not covered by the Swisscom network can be given a satellite connection to use landline telephony and the Internet. The necessary equipment is provided and installed by Swisscom.
Alternative connection via the mobile network
Instead of a universal service connection with satellite solution, the mobile network can be used to offer an alternative solution. An antenna, which is installed outdoors at the location with the best reception, provides high-speed Internet with the best possible transmission rate.
Frequently asked questions
What will be the most important changes in the universal service from 1/1/2024?
In areas where there is still no high bandwidth coverage in 2024, customers can choose between a minimum bandwidth of 10 and 80 Mbit/s. The connection will not necessarily be wired (e.g. via fibre optics). For topographical and economic reasons, it may be assumed that a large proportion of the connections provided as part of the universal service will be via wireless technologies (via satellite). If the location is already covered by a third-party provider with high bandwidth and this provider offers a comparable service, Swisscom may dispense with its universal service offering. Furthermore, the price for the “Swisscom Line basic & Internet basic” combined offering will be reduced to CHF 54.05/mth from the current CHF 59.25/mth. This price reduction will be applied automatically for all existing customers from 1/1/2024.
Who specifically can take advantage of the universal service offering?
Swisscom makes the regulated universal service offerings available to any residential or business premises in Switzerland at the explicit request of the customer. Any individual customer (i.e. not the building owner) who wishes to conclude a service contract with Swisscom is eligible.
Can I benefit from a universal service offering if my bandwidth does not meet the minimum bandwidth of 10 or 80 Mbit/s?
Yes, in principle every customer is entitled to a universal service offering with a minimum bandwidth of 10 or 80 Mbit/s in their home or business premises. However, Swisscom may offer them an (additional) connection via satellite if a wired connection is not possible for technical or commercial reasons.
Can I use blue TV with a universal service offering?
No, a commercial blue Internet subscription is required for this. The TV service is not part of the universal service offerings (only Internet access and telephone services are covered).
Can I take advantage of the blue Benefit with a universal service offering?
No. To enjoy the blue Benefit, you will need a commercial blue Internet subscription.
How will Swisscom actually implement the new universal services that apply from 1/1/2024?
The obligations arising from the universal service provision will also be fulfilled based on demand under the new universal service concession. It is therefore generally the customer’s responsibility to actively make a corresponding claim to Swisscom if required. For economic reasons, Swisscom will only be able to roll out a large proportion of the connections with the aid of satellite links. Swisscom will use the mobile network as part of an optional alternative offering that is outside the scope of the universal service. Where technically possible, customers with a DSL connection will also be able to use the 5G Internet-Booster to obtain additional bandwidth via the mobile network. Find out about the 5G Internet-Booster
