Fixed Lines

Fixed and Mobile or Mobile only?

Some folks have both a Mobile and a Fixed line, others have only a mobile. We can't give you a clear recommendation on which way to go, but here are the key things to consider:

Why get a Mobile only, without a Fixed line?

• Fixed phones are expensive. The set-up fee is more than CHF40, and monthly fees are minimum CHF25, just to get a line. Then you still have to pay for each call you make.  You can get the equivalent of a fixed line through cable providers without paying the monthly fee. However, you will need to pay the fee for cable TV in order to benefit from it. 

• You can get Internet access through cable or wireless

Why get a Fixed line (on top of a Mobile)?

• Most of the DSL Internet offers work only if you have a Fixed line.

Getting a Fixed line

In Switzerland, only Swisscom can install and activate fixed lines except if you choose the cable solution. Here's how to get it done:

If there's already a phone line installed in your new place:
Contact Swisscom to get the line connected. It is a simple process done entirely by remote. It will usually take 2 weeks. The set-up fee is more than CHF 40.

If there's no phone line installed in your new place:
Contact Swisscom to arrange for an engineer to come to your place. The set-up fee is more than CHF40. As a foreigner without a C-Permit, you might be asked to pay a deposit before your line is connected. You will get this deposit back upon cancellation of the contract.

Carrier pre-selection or call-by-call

Even if you need to set up your fixed line with Swisscom, you can still choose to make your national and/or international calls through another operator. This can be done either call-by-call by composing a code before the dialed number, or through a process called pre-selection. In the latter case you will have to subscribe to the selected operator in order for the pre-selection to be activated (this offer is usually bundled with an internet subscription). Your chosen provider will need to ask Swisscom for your authorization to have you connected to their network, which might take some time.

Prices and charges

Prices in Switzerland are standardized across regions, meaning that you pay the same tariffs for national calls wherever you are in the country.