In Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....

, approximately two thirds of home broadband subscriptions are via DSL, specifically ADSL and VDSL, with the remaining third using cable. Other xDSL technologies, satellite access and fiber channels are available, but are generally used by businesses due to their cost.

Major internet providers include Swisscom

Swisscom

Swisscom AG is a major telecommunications provider in Switzerland. Along with Swiss Post, it is a successor company to the former state-owned PTT. Its headquarters are located at Worblaufen near Bern...

, green.ch, Cybernet, and Cablecom

Cablecom

UPC Cablecom Holdings GmbH, trading exclusively under the brand name upc cablecom, is the largest broadband cable operator in Switzerland. Founded 1994 through multiple mergers between smaller companies, it is part of Liberty Global Europe's UPC Broadband division since the end of 2005.Cablecom...

, the largest cable ISP.

Swiss Telecommunication Market Report

Switzerland had one of the highest Internet and broadband penetration rates in Europe. Broadband replaced telephone communications as the main growth area, and DSL networks have overtaken cable as the principal technology for broadband access. Strong growth in wireless broadband has added to the mix. This report presents an analysis of Switzerland’s Internet and broadband markets and profiles the main players in the DSL, cable, fibre and wireless sectors, detailing technological developments for the provision of triple play services and providing broadband forecasts to 2019. It also examines regulatory issues surrounding municipal fibre, legislation providing for Local Loop Unbundling, and the provision of broadband as a Universal Service. Market Report http://www.internetworldstats.com/euro/ch.htm

How do you get connected?

Swisscom

A telephone line installation or connection can be ordered via:

• the Swisscom website: Click here http://en.swisscom.ch/residential
• at a Swisscom shop. To find a shop Click here http://gis2.begasoft.ch/gis/pages/ch.bgs.googlegis.gwt.GMap/swisscomGIS.jsf?lang=EN&show=shops
• via the free service number, Tel: 0800 800 800

Swisscom will need a copy of a residence permit and a one-off payment for the line connection fee. Foreigners who do not have a C type permit will also have to pay a deposit.

A number will be allocated and the line will be connected within two or three days.

• To request a line, Tel: 0800 800 800
• To end a contract and recuperate the deposit, Tel: 0800 800 113
• Register a change of address:
• Register as a new customer:
• See the comprehensive Swisscom website in English http://en.swisscom.ch/residential website (in English)

Other telephone providers

Fixed network lines are provided by Swisscom only. However, there are several telecom providers in Switzerland for making calls. When using a provider other than Swisscom, the provider will take care of formalities with Swisscom although the telephone number will remain the same even if the person opts for pre-selection with another provider.

With pre-selection a person can use the provider of their choice. The five-digit code can be centrally programmed by Swisscom. Subsequently, all calls will be directed via that chosen provider. Only one provider can be chosen.

Individual calls can be made with a provider by dialing the corresponding code (for example, 10755 for Alocall) Internet and Telecom http://geneva.angloinfo.com/countries/switzerland/telecoms.asp.

• Netstream Voice
• Mobilezone
• Tele2

Mobile Phone Network Providers

In Switzerland there are three mobile network providers each using its own mobile network.

There are numerous types of mobile telephone subscription. Subscriptions are taken out for a duration of 12 or 24 months, depending on the offer.
Note: Subscriptions are automatically extended on expiry.

There are also prepaid offers available, which do not require a subscription. After buying the prepaid card, calls can be made immediately. Some providers have facilities for recharging a card at train ticket dispensing machines, Post Office machines or in some electronics shops. Prepaid cards are sold in many shops and kiosks.

• Swisscom Mobile
• Sunrise Website http://www1.sunrise.ch/en/index.htm
• Orange Orange Website http://www1.orange.ch/home?.portal_action=.changeLanguage&.portlet=homepage&language=en

Swiss Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

• Cablecom supplies digital broadband Internet access, telephone and TV. No Swisscom line is needed for Cablecom services. The comprehensive website in English explains all products.
• Green provides ADSL, SDSL Internet connections. Website in French and German
• Sunrise provides fixed lines, mobile phones and various ADSL packages. Website in French, Italian and German.
• Swisscom's Internet service, Bluewin. Website in French and German.
• DFI is the main Internet supplier in Geneva.