Internet Providers in Switzerland: The Overview
The Swiss market is shared by three giants that own and run their own network infrastructure: Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. They build and maintain the extensive fibre optic, cable and mobile networks that cover the whole country. Alongside them are other internet providers, known as virtual providers. They sell internet plans but rent the underlying infrastructure from the established operators.
The main internet operators and network owners
Swisscom
Swisscom is Switzerland’s established operator and undisputed market leader. It is partly owned by the Swiss Confederation, enjoys a privileged position and a reputation for reliability. Its network is the largest and densest in the country. It delivers very fast internet over fibre optic (FTTH) and state-of-the-art mobile services, including 5G and 5G+. Swisscom keeps investing heavily to maintain its technological lead and near-nationwide coverage. Sadly, you notice this in the prices too: its plans are among the most expensive on the market.
Swisscom See reviews →
Sunrise
Merged with UPC in 2020, Sunrise is the second-largest player on the Swiss market. The merger with UPC gave it an extensive fixed network, and a strong mobile network comes on top. Sunrise sees itself as a strong alternative to Swisscom, offers high internet speeds and keeps expanding its 5G coverage. It is known for its bundle deals (internet, TV, mobile), which it uses to win new customers with competitive packages. On performance, its network regularly ranks very close to Swisscom’s.
Sunrise See reviews →
Salt
Salt is the third major provider with its own network in Switzerland. It lags behind the competition in rolling out fibre optic, but has invested heavily in fixed and mobile coverage in recent years. Prices for fibre optic and connected TV are very competitive.
Salt See reviews →Virtual internet providers (MVNOs): the flexible alternative
Besides the three big providers with their own infrastructure, the Swiss market has numerous so-called virtual network operators (MVNOs). They own no networks themselves: they rent access from Swisscom, Sunrise or Salt and sell their own internet and mobile offers on top.
MVNOs can often offer more competitive prices, more flexible packages or targeted services for specific niches. They handle customer service, billing and marketing themselves, but rely on the host network for quality and coverage. Compare the different offers and you can save a lot of money for an equivalent level of service.
List of the main virtual internet providers
Yallo
Yallo, a Sunrise subsidiary, uses the Sunrise network. This virtual provider stands out with very competitive offers and good customer service. Its range includes internet plans with fibre optic connections of up to 10 gigabit/s. With the Yallo TV app you can watch over 280 TV channels.
Yallo See reviews →
Wingo
Wingo, a Swisscom subsidiary, uses the Swisscom network. This virtual provider has interesting offers, especially internet plans with no contract. Here too, fibre optic connections of up to 10 gigabit/s are available.
Wingo See reviews →Mucho Mobile
Mucho Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) based in Geneva and founded in 2010. If you want low prices and flexibility but still expect the quality of the Swisscom network and customer service in Switzerland, this is an attractive option.
iWay
iWay is a Swiss internet provider based in Zurich, founded in 1995. It offers internet (fibre optic and DSL), TV and telephony for private customers and SMEs. For access to the fibre optic lines it still rents from Swisscom.
SAK
SAK is a Swiss telecommunications provider operating mainly in eastern Switzerland. It offers internet, TV and phone services, often over its own fibre optic network in the regions it serves.
How do I find out which network my house or flat is connected to?
The easiest way to check whether your home can get a fibre optic connection is directly on the provider’s website. Enter your address on the Salt, Swisscom or Sunrise pages and within seconds you will know whether your house or flat is on that provider’s fibre optic network.