In Switzerland, the leading mobile network providers plan to phase out their 3G networks in the coming years to allocate resources for more efficient technologies like 4G and 5G. Below are the specific plans of each provider:
Swisscom:
Swisscom will deactivate its 3G network by the end of 2025. Currently, only about 1% of mobile data traffic is handled via 3G, while the technology occupies around 10% of antenna capacity. The shutdown will free up these resources for 4G and 5G to meet the growing demand for data transmission. Swisscom invests approximately 1.6 to 1.7 billion CHF annually in expanding and maintaining its ICT infrastructure to ensure a reliable and modern network.
Sunrise:
Sunrise plans to deactivate its 3G network by mid-2025. The 3G technology, introduced about 20 years ago, is less efficient in terms of spectrum usage and energy consumption compared to 4G and 5G. The shutdown aims to increase capacity for 4G and 5G, allowing customers to benefit from a faster mobile network. Sunrise emphasizes that customers with devices that only support 3G will need to replace them by mid-2025. For voice calls, a device with VoLTE (Voice over LTE) support is also required.
Salt:
Salt has not yet announced official plans to deactivate its 3G network. However, it is expected that Salt will take similar steps in the near future to keep pace with technological advancements and provide more efficient network solutions.
Impact on Customers:
Customers with older devices that only support 3G will need to switch to newer devices that support at least 4G and, ideally, VoLTE for voice calls. This ensures that they can continue to make calls and use data services without interruption after the 3G network shutdown. Mobile providers will inform their customers in advance and assist them with the transition.
Conclusion:
The planned 3G network shutdown in Switzerland marks another step toward modern and more efficient mobile technologies. Customers should verify whether their current devices are compatible and, if necessary, switch to newer models to maintain seamless connectivity.