In the year 2025, which Swiss mobile network provider stands out as the superior option?
Who's Got the Edge in Swiss Networks? A Deep Dive into Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt
Every year, a German magazine called Connect - fittingly named, might I add - conducts an in-depth analysis of the three Swiss networks: Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt.
This comprehensive comparison tests three critical areas: voice calls, connectivity, and data speed. To ensure a thorough examination, vehicles equipped with smartphones were driven around 24 major Swiss cities and 17 smaller communities. The main focus? Testing the 5G network's share in these areas.
Oh, by the way, if there's no 5G available, Swiss operators like to offer a less flashy but functional alternative: 4G/LTE.
In parallel with the drive tests, Connect also performed 'walk tests' in high-traffic zones like train stations, airports, cafes, public transportation, and museums.
So, What Did Connect Find?
In the big city drive tests, Swisscom claimed a nearly perfect score of 99 percent, with Sunrise close behind at over 97 percent, and Salt just nipping at their heels with over 95 percent.
In the walk tests, Swisscom led the pack again, with 93 percent coverage, followed by Sunrise at 91 percent, and Salt at 85 percent.
The gaps widened in smaller cities, with Swisscom still on top at around 98 percent, Sunrise at 95 percent, and Salt at 92 percent.
Where things got interesting, however, was on secondary roads. Here, Swisscom led the charge with around 94 percent, leaving Sunrise trailing at 76 percent and Salt far behind at 65 percent.
Finally, when it comes to Swiss trains, Swisscom again took first place, with around 91 percent of the 5G market share, while Sunrise came in at 82 percent and Salt at a mere 68 percent.
Now, for the Big Question: Who Comes Out on Top?
In a nutshell, Swisscom, Switzerland's biggest telecom player, took the top spot, with Sunrise and Salt following closely behind in second and third place, respectively.
But when scrutinizing individual categories, Swisscom and Sunrise often went head-to-head, with Salt playing the underdog. In some cases, Sunrise even bested Swisscom, like nabbing a slightly higher score (99 percent versus 98) for data connectivity in the big city walk test, and achieving a perfect 100 percent in voice calling.
But Wait, What About Changing Telecom Providers in Switzerland?
Once you've chosen a telecom provider in Switzerland, you're sort of locked in until your agreement runs its course - or you decide to make a drastic change, like moving out of the country.
Breaking up with your telecom provider early? Go ahead, but be prepared to shell out some cash. That's because telecom contracts usually have a minimum term (often 12 or 24 months) and a cancellation notice period.
Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt, along with smaller providers like Yallo, Wingo, Coop Mobile, LidlConnect, and M-Budget Mobile, all have a two-month notice period at the end of each calendar month.
You'll likely face two scenarios if you decide to jump ship: penalty fees or remaining billed until the notice period ends. Also, according to Moneyland consumer platform, it's common for Swiss telecoms to keep charging you for your plan until your contract expires, regardless of whether you're ditching them early or just giving notice.
There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. You're permitted to terminate your contract early without penalties when your provider reduces or drops services, or when you move out of Switzerland permanently.
If you relocate within Switzerland, you won't be charged penalties, but only if your new home is completely outside your provider's mobile network coverage.
In addition, while Swiss telecoms can adjust their prices annually to match changes in the consumer price index, these increases don't entitle customers to cancel their contracts without penalty fees.
Last but not least, death is considered a valid excuse to wave penalty fees. Rest assured, all Swiss telecom companies will allow relatives to terminate the deceased's contracts immediately without penalty fees.
Sources:1. The Local Switzerland (2020). Swiss SIM cards and mobile networks: what you need to know2. Moneyland (2020). A Guide to Cancelling Your Cell Phone Contract in Switzerland
- In this year's network analysis by Connect magazine, Swisscom was crowned the winner in the 5G network tests within major Swiss cities, with 99% coverage, followed by Sunrise with over 97%, and Salt with over 95%.
- Swisscom also led the walk tests, performing exceptionally well with 93% coverage, while Sunrise came in second with 91%, and Salt trailed behind with 85%.
- When the test moved to smaller cities, Swisscom remained on top, with coverage of around 98%, followed by Sunrise at 95%, and Salt at 92%.
- However, on secondary roads, Swisscom showed a significant advantage, claiming around 94% coverage compared to Sunrise's 76% and Salt's 65%.
