In mobile telecommunications, the term network coverage describes the physical areas reached by a mobile network operator’s radio signal.
The three main Swiss telecom service providers, Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt each operate their own mobile networks. Each of the three providers currently maintains their own 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Because the three service providers each operate their own networks, network coverage varies depending on which network is used.
The differences in network coverage between different locations can be major. For that reason, it is important to get informed about network coverage in the locations you frequent when choosing a mobile service provider. For example, you may want to make sure that your home, office, commuting route, club house, your favorite pub, and other locations in which you spend a significant amount of time are well covered.
It is also important to note that mobile network reception is always poorer inside of well-insulated buildings (Minergie-compliant buildings, for example). Wi-Fi calling provides a good alternative in this case.
Swiss mobile service providers have agreements with foreign mobile service providers which allow you to stay connected while traveling abroad (roaming). When you travel outside of Switzerland, your mobile phone establishes a connection with a local mobile network. In this case, geographical coverage is limited to the network coverage provided by local networks.
The three Swiss mobile service providers Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt publish network coverage maps on their websites. Regular independent studies (such as that conducted by Connect magazine) also provide information about the state of network coverage in Switzerland.
Good to know: The mobile plan and prepaid offer comparison on moneyland.ch lets you sort plans and prepaid offers based on the “Network quality as per studies” and the “Customer satisfaction: Network quality” sort criteria.
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Interactive mobile plan comparison with network coverage sort tools
