Mobile Internet in Switzerland 2025: Complete Guide

Mobile internet is essential in today's connected world, and Switzerland offers some of the fastest and most reliable mobile networks globally. However, Swiss mobile data can also be expensive compared to neighboring countries. This comprehensive guide helps you find the best mobile internet plan for your needs and budget.

Data: December 2024

Switzerland's Mobile Networks

The Three Main Networks

Switzerland has three major mobile network operators with their own infrastructure:

Swisscom

• Largest network operator (56% market share)
• Best coverage nationwide (99.9% population)
• Fastest 5G deployment
• Most expensive prices
• Highest customer satisfaction ratings

Sunrise (UPC)

• Second-largest operator (26% market share)
• Excellent urban coverage
• Strong 5G network in cities
• Mid-range pricing
• Good customer service

Salt

• Third operator (18% market share)
• Full 4G/5G coverage
• Most affordable major provider
• Younger, digital-first approach
• Online customer service focus

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

MVNOs rent network capacity from the big three:

Using Swisscom Network:

• Wingo (Swisscom's budget brand)
• Coop Mobile
• M-Budget Mobile

Using Salt Network:

• Digital Republic
• TalkTalk
• Various smaller providers

Advantages of MVNOs:

• Lower prices (30-approximately 50% cheaper)
• Flexible contracts
• Digital-first service
• No physical stores

Disadvantages:

• Priority given to main network customers (speed throttling during peak times)
• Limited customer service
• No roaming agreements in some cases

Mobile Internet Technologies in Switzerland

4G/LTE Coverage

Availability:

• 99%+ population coverage
• Available in all inhabited areas
• Excellent speeds (20-100 Mbps typical)

Sufficient For:

• Web browsing
• Social media
• Video streaming (HD)
• Video calls
• Most everyday uses

5G Coverage

Deployment Status (2025):

• Swisscom: 95% population coverage
• Sunrise: 90% population coverage
• Salt: 85% population coverage

5G Speeds in Switzerland:

• Download: 100-1,000 Mbps (depending on location)
• Upload: 50-200 Mbps
• Low latency (10-20ms)

5G Benefits:

• Ultra-fast downloads
• Better performance in crowded areas
• Future-ready for AR/VR applications
• More stable connections

5G Requirements:

• 5G-compatible phone
• 5G data plan
• Location with 5G coverage

Is 5G Worth It?

• Yes, if you regularly use high data volumes
• Yes, if you live/work in 5G coverage area
• No, if you only check email and browse occasionally
• 4G is sufficient for most users currently

Types of Mobile Internet Plans

1. Prepaid Plans (No Contract)

How They Work:

• Buy SIM card
• Top up credit as needed
• Pay as you go for data
• No monthly commitment
• Credit usually valid 6-12 months

Best For:

• Temporary stays in Switzerland
• Tourists
• Infrequent data users
• Budget-conscious users

Typical Costs:

Provider	Data Package	Validity	Price
Swisscom	1 GB	30 days	CHF 20
Swisscom	5 GB	30 days	CHF 50
Sunrise	2 GB	30 days	CHF 25
Salt	5 GB	30 days	CHF 30
Aldi Mobile	4 GB	30 days	CHF 19.95

2. Monthly Subscription Plans

How They Work:

• Monthly recurring fee
• Fixed data allowance
• Unlimited calls/SMS (usually)
• 12 or 24-month contracts common
• Automatic renewal

Best For:

• Regular data users
• Long-term residents
• Predictable monthly costs

Popular Plans (2025):

Provider	Data	Calls/SMS	Monthly Cost	Contract
Swisscom	10 GB	Unlimited	CHF 50	12 months
Swisscom	30 GB	Unlimited	CHF 70	12 months
Sunrise	20 GB	Unlimited	CHF 45	24 months
Salt	30 GB	Unlimited	CHF 39.95	12 months
Wingo	20 GB	Unlimited	CHF 35	1 month
Digital Republic	50 GB	Unlimited	CHF 30	1 month

3. Unlimited Data Plans

True Unlimited:

• No data cap
• Full speed throughout month
• Perfect for heavy users

"Fair Use" Unlimited:

• Speed throttling after certain threshold (e.g., 40 GB)
• Usually slowed to 1-2 Mbps
• Still usable for basic tasks

Providers Offering Unlimited:

Provider	Type	Speed After Limit	Monthly Cost
Swisscom	True unlimited	No throttling	CHF 90
Sunrise	True unlimited	No throttling	CHF 80
Salt	Fair use (40 GB)	1 Mbps after 40 GB	CHF 49.95
Wingo	Fair use (100 GB)	1 Mbps after 100 GB	CHF 55
yallo	Fair use (50 GB)	1 Mbps after 50 GB	CHF 39

Who Needs Unlimited:

• Stream videos daily
• Use mobile as home internet
• No Wi-Fi access at home/work
• Download large files regularly
• Multiple connected devices (tethering)

4. Data-Only SIM Cards

For Tablets, Laptops, Mobile Hotspots:

Provider	Data Allowance	Monthly Cost	Network
Swisscom	10 GB	CHF 30	Swisscom
Sunrise	20 GB	CHF 35	Sunrise
Salt	30 GB	CHF 29.95	Salt
M-Budget	10 GB	CHF 25	Swisscom

Best Use Cases:

• Secondary devices (iPad, laptop)
• Mobile hotspot for travel
• Backup internet connection
• IoT devices

How Much Mobile Data Do You Need?

Average Data Usage by Activity

Activity	Data Usage (per hour)
Web browsing	25-50 MB
Social media	50-150 MB
Email	1-10 MB
Music streaming (Spotify)	40-150 MB
Video streaming (YouTube HD)	1-2 GB
Video streaming (Netflix HD)	3 GB
Video calls (Zoom/Teams)	500 MB - 1.5 GB
Online gaming	40-100 MB
Maps/Navigation	5-20 MB

Monthly Data Needs by User Type

Light User (1-5 GB/month):

• Mostly on Wi-Fi
• Email and web browsing on mobile
• Occasional social media
• Rare video streaming

Medium User (5-20 GB/month):

• Regular social media throughout day
• Stream music during commute
• Watch occasional videos
• Video calls a few times per week

Heavy User (20-50 GB/month):

• Stream music daily
• Watch videos frequently
• Heavy social media use
• Video calls regularly
• Sometimes tether other devices

Power User (50+ GB/month):

• No home Wi-Fi or poor Wi-Fi
• Stream Netflix/YouTube extensively
• Use mobile as primary internet
• Tether laptop/tablet regularly
• Download large files

Tips to Reduce Data Usage

Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible:

• Connect to home/work Wi-Fi
• Use public Wi-Fi (with caution)
• Download content on Wi-Fi for offline use

Enable Data Saving Features:

• YouTube: Lower video quality (Settings > Quality)
• Spotify: Download playlists on Wi-Fi
• Facebook/Instagram: Enable data saver mode
• Chrome: Enable "Lite mode"
• iPhone: Enable Low Data Mode
• Android: Enable Data Saver

Disable Automatic Updates:

• Turn off automatic app updates on cellular
• Disable automatic cloud photo backup
• Manually update apps on Wi-Fi

Monitor Your Usage:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular
• Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage
• Provider app: Most carriers offer usage tracking

Roaming in Switzerland

For Foreign Visitors in Switzerland

EU/EEA Citizens:

• EU roaming regulations apply
• Use your home plan at no extra cost
• Same data allowance as at home
• Fair use limits may apply for extended stays

UK Visitors (Post-Brexit):

• Depends on UK provider
• Many still include Switzerland in roaming packages
• Check with your provider before traveling

Other Countries:

• Roaming usually very expensive in Switzerland
• Buy local Swiss prepaid SIM instead
• Much cheaper than international roaming

Recommended for Tourists:

• Buy Swiss prepaid SIM at airport or train station
• Aldi Mobile: CHF 19.95 for 4 GB (30 days)
• Salt: CHF 30 for 5 GB (30 days)
• Available at Coop, Migros, kiosks

Swiss Residents Roaming Abroad

Roaming in EU/EEA:

Provider	Included in Plan	Additional Cost
Swisscom	Yes (same data allowance)	No extra cost
Sunrise	Yes (reduced allowance)	CHF 15/week unlimited
Salt	Yes (1 GB included)	CHF 10/day unlimited
Wingo	Limited (500 MB)	CHF 0.10/MB after
Digital Republic	Generous (20-50 GB)	No extra cost

Roaming Outside Europe:

• Very expensive (CHF 10-20/MB)
• Buy local SIM in destination country
• Use international data packages if available
• Consider eSIM options (Airalo, Holafly)

Best Mobile Internet Deals (2025)

Budget Option: Digital Republic

Plan: CHF 20/month

• 10 GB data
• Unlimited calls/SMS to Switzerland
• 1-month rolling contract
• Salt network
• Includes EU roaming (10 GB)

Best For: Budget-conscious users who don't need premium network

Balanced Option: Wingo (Swisscom)

Plan: CHF 35/month

• 20 GB data
• Unlimited calls/SMS
• 1-month contract
• Swisscom network (best coverage)
• EU roaming included (500 MB)

Best For: Those wanting Swisscom quality at lower price

Premium Option: Swisscom Inone Mobile

Plan: CHF 90/month

• Unlimited data (no throttling)
• Unlimited calls/SMS worldwide
• 5G included
• Best coverage
• Excellent roaming (unlimited EU)

Best For: Heavy users who need best network and unlimited data

Heavy User Option: Salt Unlimited

Plan: CHF 49.95/month

• Unlimited data (throttled to 1 Mbps after 40 GB)
• Unlimited calls/SMS
• 5G included
• Good value for heavy users

Best For: Those who use 30-100 GB/month

Family Option: Swisscom Family Plan

Plan: CHF 120/month (for 4 people)

• 30 GB per person
• Unlimited calls/SMS
• Shared data pool option
• Best network

Best For: Families wanting premium network with cost savings

How to Choose the Right Plan

Step 1: Check Your Current Data Usage

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Current Period

Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage

Note your average monthly usage over 3 months

Step 2: Determine Your Needs

Questions to ask:

• Do I have reliable Wi-Fi at home/work?
• Do I stream video on mobile?
• Do I need 5G speeds?
• How important is coverage in rural areas?
• Do I travel to EU frequently?
• What's my budget?

Step 3: Choose Network

Swisscom if:

• You need absolute best coverage
• You travel to rural areas frequently
• Budget is less important than reliability

Sunrise if:

• You want balanced network and price
• You're mostly in urban areas
• You value customer service

Salt if:

• Price is your main concern
• Urban coverage is sufficient
• You're comfortable with digital service

Step 4: Pick Data Allowance

General Rule: Choose plan with 20-30% more data than your average usage

• Allows for occasional heavy usage months
• Avoids overage charges
• Peace of mind

Step 5: Contract Length

Month-to-Month (Recommended):

• Full flexibility
• Can switch anytime
• Slightly higher monthly cost
• Best for most people

12-24 Months:

• Lower monthly cost (10-up to 20% savings)
• Locked in for duration
• Early termination fees
• Only if you're certain of needs

Tips to Save Money on Mobile Internet

1. Use MVNOs Instead of Main Carriers

Savings: 30-50%

Examples:

• Wingo instead of Swisscom
• yallo instead of Sunrise
• Digital Republic instead of Salt

Same network coverage, much lower price.

2. Bring Your Own Device

Don't bundle phone with contract:

• Phone subsidies cost more long-term
• Buy phone outright or used
• Choose SIM-only plan
• Savings: up to CHF 10-20/month

3. Share Data with Family

Many providers offer family plans:

• Share one large data pool
• Cheaper than individual plans
• Savings: up to CHF 10-15 per additional line

4. Reduce Your Data Allowance

Most people overestimate needs:

• Track actual usage for 3 months
• Choose plan based on reality, not fears
• Can always upgrade if needed
• Downgrading is harder

5. Take Advantage of Promotions

Watch for:

• Black Friday deals (November)
• Back-to-school promotions (August)
• New customer offers
• Switching bonuses

Typical savings: 20-40% first year

6. Use Wi-Fi Calling

Enable Wi-Fi calling:

• Make calls over Wi-Fi (free)
• Reduces cellular usage
• Better indoor coverage
• No impact on data allowance

How to Enable:

• iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling
• Android: Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Calling

Special Considerations

For Students

Discounted Plans:

• Swisscom Campus: 20% student discount
• Sunrise Young: Discounts for under-30
• Salt Student Offers: Various promotions

Bring Proof:

• Student ID
• University enrollment certificate

For Seniors

Senior Plans (65+):

• Lower data needs typically
• Some providers offer senior discounts
• Consider basic plans (5-10 GB)

Simplified Options:

• M-Budget Mobile (simple, cheap)
• Aldi Mobile (easy top-up)
• Avoid complex contracts

For Businesses

Business Plans Offer:

• Volume discounts (5+ lines)
• Dedicated business support
• Flexible data sharing
• Invoicing and reporting tools

Providers:

• Swisscom Business
• Sunrise Business
• Salt Business

For IoT Devices

Special SIM Cards:

• Ultra-low data plans (100 MB - 1 GB)
• Multi-year validity
• Machine-to-machine tariffs

Use Cases:

• Car tracking
• Security cameras
• Smart home devices
• Sensor networks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing Unlimited When You Don't Need It

Problem: Paying CHF 80-90/month when you use 15 GB

Solution: Track actual usage and choose appropriate plan

2. Not Checking Coverage in Your Area

Problem: Choosing cheap plan with poor coverage at your address

Solution: Check coverage maps on provider websites before signing

3. Forgetting About Contract End Date

Problem: Auto-renewal for another 12-24 months

Solution: Set calendar reminder 3 months before end, shop for better deals

4. Excessive Roaming Charges

Problem: Using data abroad without roaming package

Solution: Check roaming costs, buy packages, or use local SIM

5. Not Reading Fair Use Policies

Problem: "Unlimited" plan throttles after 40 GB

Solution: Read fine print, understand actual limits

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Mobile Internet Plan

Swiss mobile internet is reliable and fast, but can be expensive if you don't choose carefully. The key is understanding your actual needs and selecting the right combination of network, data allowance, and price.

Quick Recommendations:

Budget-Conscious (under CHF 30/month):

• Digital Republic: CHF 20 for 10 GB
• Aldi Mobile: CHF 19.95 for 4 GB

Best Value (CHF 30-40/month):

• Wingo: CHF 35 for 20 GB (Swisscom network)
• Salt: CHF 39.95 for 30 GB

Heavy User (CHF 50+/month):

• Salt Unlimited: CHF 49.95 (40 GB + throttled unlimited)
• Wingo Unlimited: CHF 55 (100 GB + throttled)

Premium Experience (CHF 70+/month):

• Swisscom: CHF 70 for 30 GB (best coverage)
• Swisscom Unlimited: CHF 90 (true unlimited)

Don't pay for more data than you need, but ensure you have enough for peace of mind. Mobile internet is an essential utility in modern life - invest appropriately for your usage pattern.

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In the future, checkeverything.ch will feature an interactive mobile internet plan comparison tool to help you find the perfect data plan based on your specific usage patterns. Stay tuned!