Basics
Switzerland has three network operators:
- Swisscom
- Salt Mobile (formerly Orange)
- Sunrise
2G GSM / 3G UMTS / 4G LTE coverage
Swisscom (51% state-owned and Swiss Stock-Exchanged) offers the best mobile network coverage and performance (speed), but is the most expensive. There are two competitors: Sunrise Communications and Salt Mobile. Both are catching up quickly with their own mobile network.
- Swisscom covers 99.8% of the area in 2G, 96% in 3G and up to 95% in 4G (LTE).
- Salt offers 99% of 2G, >90% of 3G and 95% of 4G by end of 2015.
- Sunrise offers 99% of 2G, 97% of 3G and up to 95% in 4G by end of 2015
So Salt and Sunrise are only slightly worse concerning data and coverage. On Sunrise you have to notice that most of its 3G antennas are based on the 900 MHz frequency. This is rather unusual in Europe, but supported by many mobile phone devices, as most providers in Europe use the 2100 MHz band like Swisscom and Salt. Nevertheless, the quality of all the 3 providers is generally high compared to European standards.
On 4G Swisscom and Salt have LTE speeds up to 150 Mbit/s, while Sunrise offers up to 100 Mbit/s. LTE is on 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz frequency band and given out from all operators and most MVNOs on prepaid.
Regulations
Before you can use a prepaid service you will need to identify yourself (bring your passport or national photo ID) and fill in forms at the point of sale for registration. The activation of the starter pack can take some hours.
The offers below are sorted according to the networks, each beginning with the network operator first, followed by its resellers..
SWISSCOM network
Swisscom
Swisscom is still the best network in coverage and speed in the country, giving out 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE on prepaid. Their prepaid SIM cards are called Natel Easy.
Natel Easy
This is a SIM for calls, texts and data. Unlimited (see FUP) data for CHF 2 per day. A day is the 24 hour period from midnight to 23:59 the same day. Starter pack costs CHF 19.90 and has CHF 20 credit (plus 100 MB for first use). You can buy aditional credits from CHF 10 to top op your balance. The days you do not use the phone for data (or for voice or SMS), there is no charge. Network speeds are capped at download: 1.5 Mbit/s, upload 0.5 Mbit/s, unless you buy a data package (limited speed works already great for Skype video calls for example).
The data packages are as follows:
|
Data Volume |
Period |
Price |
max. speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 GB | 24 hours | CHF 5 | 21 Mbit/s |
| 200 MB | 30 days | CHF 9 | 7.2 Mbit/s |
| 600 MB | 30 days | CHF 19 | 7.2 Mbit/s |
| 1.2 GB | 30 days | CHF 29 | 7.2 Mbit/s |
Book packages on your account. Check data balance by texting "STATUS" to 444 free of charge.
Natel Data Easy
Their data-only prepaid tariff based SIM-card offer has been discontinued and is no longer available.
Fair use policy
Thier FUP will reduce speed to 64 kbps after 2 GB consumed within a month. This official policy is enforced strictly. After this you have to wait for a new month or pay 5 CHF per day for fast internet on a package.
Availability
Online or offline at Swisscom sales outlet (shop locator). Top ups are available at all major service stations or using a credit card online.
Sim sizes
Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM available. SIMs can be exchanged in the shop free of charge, for example to Nano-SIM.
More info
- Tethering: allowed
- Useable with no extra roaming costs in Liechtenstein
- APN: gprs.swisscom.ch
- Username and Password: internet
Lycamobile
Lycamobile is the biggest competitor of Lebara mobile on the ethno market. As a MVNO it changed in 2011 from Orange/Salt to the Swisscom network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.
Start up costs and availability
The starter pack is sold in a lot of stores in the country for free. The don't have a store locator, so look for their label. Reloads can be made in their stores or online using an international credit card online.
Data feature packages
Data outside these packages or overuse is billed at CHF 0.10 per MB. These monthly packages are offered:
|
Data Volume |
Price |
Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 120 MB | CHF 1.25 | *139*90490# |
| 500 MB | CHF 3.25 | *139*95490# |
| 1 GB | CHF 5.90 | *139*91490# |
| 2 GB | CHF 11.90 | *139*92490# |
| 3 GB | CHF 19.90 | *139*94490# |
| 5 GB | CHF 24.90 | *139*93490# |
| 10 GB | CHF 45 | *139*96490# |
Data pack renews automatically after one month and must be cancelled by calling 077900122.-You can only buy each package once in a 30-day period. There is no warning when your package runs out. To check data amounts, dial *136#. For more data, you can add-ons, valid for the rest time of the base package:
- 500 MB: CHF 3.25, *139*601#
- 1 GB: CHF 5.90, *139*602#
More infos
- Roaming bundles to be used in certain countries are offered. For more info see Euro5.
- There have been issues reported with Swiss Lycamobile SIM cards for data roaming in Germany. So this combination is clearly not recommended at the moment.
- Tethering is prohibited and actively blocked
- APN: data.lycamobile.ch
- Username: lmch (that's lowercase L, not capital i)
- Password: plus
M-Budget
M-Budget is the MVNO of one of the biggest retailers in Switzerland called Migros. It operates on the network of Swisscom on 2G and 3G only, but not 4G/LTE.
Availability and startup cost
SIM Card: 19.80 CHF, includes 15 CHF balance and 100 MB of data. Available in Migros supermarkets and M-Electronics stores. Store Locator. Be sure to be on the new tariff line called M-Budget Mobile Plus. To change, send free text containg "MBUDGET PLUS" to 444.
Data feature packages
Data outside the package or overuse is billed CHF 0.28 per MB. Billing interval per 100 KB.
- 150 MB, 30 days, CHF 4.80, activation by sms START DATAPACK to 444.
To check data amounts, send STATUS by SMS to 444. You will be warned by SMS when you have used 80 % of the data.
Technical Settings
- APN: gprs.swisscom.ch
SALT network
In 2014 France Telecom sold Orange CH to a French businessman. The brand Orange was dropped and the network rebranded in Salt during summer 2015.
Salt Mobile (formerly known as Orange)
Orange CH was rebranded to Salt in 2015. All rates are on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE where available.
Availability
In a Salt Store (formerly Orange Center) (store locator) you will get a PrePay SIM Pack. Their new PrePay Suisse voice and data is sold for 10 CHF, including CHF 20 of initial credit-
Top-ups are widely available at kiosks (Naville, Relay), supermarkets (Coop, migros), SBB-ticket machines, post offices and most service stations.
Default data rate
They offer a daily rate with unlimited data on 4G/LTE to for 1.99 CHF by default. This rate is not throttled nor otherwise limited.
Data feature packages
Only one data package is offered:
- Internet Max: 15 CHF / month, includes 1 GB, activation: START MAX, deactivation: STOP MAX.
For activation and deactivation text code to 5155. Packages will auto-renew if not stopped.
SIM sizes
Mini SIM, Micro SIM and Nano SIM available.
More info
- tethering is blocked (verified August 2015)
- useable with no extra roaming costs in Liechtenstein
- APN: click (valid only for PrePay)
CoopMobile
CoopMobile of the retail group Coop is a MVNO on the Salt network. 4G/LTE is open without surcharge.
Availability
CoopMobile starter sets are sold in all Coop supermarkets with kiosks, at the customer services desks in the Coop City departments stores und Coop Bau+Hobby hardware stores, at Fust and Interdiscount electronic stores and online with free delivery to any Swiss postal address.
- starter pack is sold for CHF 15 with CHF 5 credit.
Top-ups are widely available at the stores mentioned above or Swiss Rail (SBB)- ticket machines.
Data feature packages
Default rate is the day rate: CHF 0.20 per MB up to maximum of 33 MB for CHF 2 per day. A day is 0-24h local time. After activation of the starter pack, the "surf for free" option is enabled automatically.
- 500 MB for the first month only without any charge.
These two monthly packs are offered for the following months or as upsize:
- 500 MB: CHF 9.90, activation: text "START AUTO500" to 5155
- 1.5 GB: CHF 24.90, activation: text "START AUTO1500" to 5155
Packages auto-renew, if you have enough credit. To stop, text "STOP AUTO####" to 5155.
SIM sizes
Mni and micro size is available in stores, nano cards are only avalable online
More info
- Balance check: *121#
- APN: Click
SUNRISE network
For 3G your device should be capable of the 900 Mhz frequency, as Sunrise uses it a lot. Liechtenstein is treated as a foreign country by Sunrise.
Sunrise
All rates are on 2G, 3G and 4G too where available (see above).
Availability
Their prepaid SIM card called Sunrise free is sold for 19.90 CHF. Available online at www.sunrise.ch to be sent to a Swiss address or offline at their shops (store locator).
You can top up by credit card online, in any Swiss post office, at ticket machines of Swiss Railways, in Sunrise stores and many supermarkets, service stations and kiosks.
Data feature
Default rate is their unlimited surf option for 1 CHF per day (but speed is limited to 256 Kbit/s). On days you don't use your phone for data, there's no charge. To check your balance, dial *121# <call>. These packages valid for 30 days are offered:
| Data Package | Volume | Price | Activation | Deactivation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf | 250 MB | CHF 7.50 | SURF | SURF STOP |
| Surf XL | 1 GB | CHF 15 | SURF XL | SURFXL STOP |
| Surf 3XL | 3 GB | CHF 30 | SURF3XL | SURF3XL STOP |
| Surf 5XL | 5 GB | CHF 45 | SURF5XL | SURF5XL STOP |
| Surf 10XL | 10 GB | CHF 80 | SURF10XL | SURF10CL STOP |
To subscribe and unsubscribe text code to 5522. Bundle is renewed automatically when data volume is used up or after one month (whatever occurs first). To find out how much data of the surf option remains, dial *136# on your phone and press <call>. All packages are on 4G/LTE too and unlike the default rate up to 100 Mbit/s.
More info
- to change language, dial *141# on your phone and press <call>.
- SIM sizes: mini-SIM (2FF), micro-SIM (3FF) and nano-SIM (4FF) available.
- Tethering: allowed
- APN: internet
ok.-mobile
ok.- is spoken "OK, Punkt, Strich" (= OK, dot, dash). It's a MVNO and changed 2014 from Orange to the Sunrise network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE.
Startup Cost
SIM cards are sold for CHF 10, with same balance in avec convenience shops, k kiosks and Presse&Books shops, often located in train stations (list), Activation is done within 24 hours. Reload cards of CHF 10, 20, 30, 50 or 100 are available there too.
Data feature packages
Default rate outside of packages is CHF 0.15 per 1 MB.
- CHF 8.50 per month for 500 MB, activation: text "Bundle Data500" to 3131
- CHF 14 per month for 1 GB, activation: text "Bundle Data1000" to 3131
To check data balance text "Balance" to 3131.
SIM Sizes
A hybrid SIM card in mini, micro and nano size is given out.
More info
- APN: internet
- Tethering is allowed
- Website in German, French and Italian: ok-mobile.ch
- Facebook "fan page" mostly in German
Aldi mobile
Aldi mobile is the MVNO of the supermarket chain on Sunrise network in 2G, 3G and 4G where available. All calls amongst Aldi mobile numbers in Switzerland are free.
Availability and startup cost
Starter package costs CHF 19.99 and includes prepaid credit of CHF 20. The starter packs are available only in Aldi Suisse supermarkets (shop locator). It's not on display, but you have to ask at the checkout. The initial activation can take up to 72 hours.
Data feature packs
- Basis: CHF 9.90 for 500 MB/month. Activation: text START SURF 500 to 4466.
- Medium: CHF 14.90 for 1 GB/month. Activation: text START SURF 1000 to 4466.
- Vielsurfen: CHF 28.90 for 3 GB/month. Activation: text START SURF 3000 to 4466.
- Smart 50: CHF 15.90 for 500 MB/month + 50 domestic SMS + 50 domestic minutes to mobile lines + 50 domestic minutes to landlines. Activation: text SMART50 to 4466.
- Smart 100: CHF 27.90 for 1 GB/month + 100 domestic SMS + 100 domestic minutes to mobile lines + 100 domestic minutes to landlines. Activation: text SMART100 to 4466.
All SMS to 4466 are free of charge. All options are valid for one month only and will not be automatically prolonged. You will receive a notification SMS after 30 days. If you want to continue to use the option you will have to send again a free text with the activation code to the number 4466, so that the option will be activated for another month.
You will receive a notification as soon as (one of) the limit(s) is/are reached or when the 30 day-period is going to be finished. Alternatively you can call *147*# to find out your credit. When exceeding the limit(s) before the end of the 30 day-period you can buy again an option for another 30 days. If you exceed the included amount of data (or voice or text) there will be the usual default rates as CHF 0.19 for every MB data deducted from your prepaid credit, but you will be warned in advance.
Reloads
- Refill cards available in all ALDI-SUISSE stores (CHF 20, 30, 50)
- Online by Aldi account manager ([1])
- SBB (Swiss Railways) ticket dispensers
More info
- SIM sizes: mini-SIM (2FF), micro-SIM and nano-SIM
- APN: internet
TalkTalk
TalkTalk is another MVNO on the Sunrise network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE where available
Availability and startup cost
Their prepaid product is called GO. Starter package costs CHF 19.95 and includes a prepaid credit of CHF 20. It is available online or offline exclusively in Mobilezone stores: store locator
Data feature packs
Default data outside of packages is CHF 2 per 10 MB. These packages are available:
| Data Volume | Price | Activation code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | CHF 15 | START 1GB |
| 2 GB | CHF 25 | START 2GB |
| 3 GB | CHF 35 | START 3GB |
| 5 GB | CHF 50 | START 5GB |
| 10 GB | CHF 85 | START 10GB |
To activate, text code to 361. All packages are valid for 30 days. Volume can be upsized anytime by buying a new package.
Reloads
Refill cards are available in Mobilezone stores or tobacco/press kiosks (topups list) and can be activated via dialing a special number or online.
More info
- For balance check text "BALANCE" to 361
- APN: internet
Ortel mobile
Ortel is a MVNO on the Sunrise network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE where available.
Availability and startup cost
Starter package costs CHF 9.95 and includes a prepaid credit of CHF 21. It is available in multi-network stores.
Data feature packs
- Surf and Save: CHF 13.90 for 1 GB/month. Activation: text 'Data 1' to 233.
When the limit is exceeded each additional data usage is charged at CHF 0.20 per MB. The package is not prolonged automatically.
Reloads
Refill cards are available in stores and can be activated via dialing a special number or online. They give 10% bonus for every top-up.
More info
- SIM sizes: micro-SIM
- The voice tariff is tailored around making cheap calls to foreign destinations. For example calling a Swiss landline is 6 times more expensive than calling one in Brazil.
- APN: internet
Yallo
Yallo is a subsidiary of Sunrise and operates on their network on 2G, 3G and 4G where available.
Availability and startup cost
Starter package costs CHF 20. and includes prepaid credit of CHF 20. They are sold in every Sunrise store (see above) or at Swiss Post shops
Data feature packs
| Data Volume | Price | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|
| 150 MB | CHF 5 | SURF 150 |
| 500 MB | CHF 10 | SURF 500 |
| 1 GB | CHF 15 | SURF 1000 |
| 2 GB | CHF 25 | SURF 2000 |
| 5 GB | CHF 45 | SURF 5000 |
| 10 GB | CHF 80 | SURF10GB |
For activation text code to 5511, for deactivation text code followed by the word "STOP" to 5511. Packages will be renewed automatically after one month or when the data limit is reached if there is enough credit. Standard rate outside packages is 3 CHF per 10 MB. To check data status type *142#
More info
- SIM Sizes: Available in both micro SIM and standard size
- APN: internet
Lebara mobile
Default prefix: 076. Lebara Suisse was acquired by Sunrise in 2013. It uses its network in 2G, 3G and 4G where available.
Availability and startup cost
SIM-Card is free either online to be sent to a Swiss address or offline at their vending partners like Swiss Post offices, Migros and Coop supermarkets, k and relay kiosks, Media Markt and lot of small stores. You have to do a top up right away.
Data feature packs
| Data Volume | Price | Activation code |
|---|---|---|
| 120 MB | CHF 4.90 | SURF |
| 1 GB | CHF 14.90 | DATA1 |
| 3 GB | CHF 29.90 | SURF3 |
| 5 GB | CHF 44.90 | SURF5 |
| 10 GB | CHF 79.90 | SURF10 |
For activation text code to 255, packet renews automatically after one month, for deactivation: text STOP to 255, overuse is charged by CHF 0.10 per MB or you can activate another bundle ahead of time.
More Info
- APN: internet