What is the status of quality assurance in relation to private radio and television broadcasters and how are they fulfilling their performance mandate? What are the characteristics of the private radio and television programme services? OFCOM representatives and appointed researchers answered these questions at this year's media conference: Dr. René Grossenbacher of Publicom presented an analysis of the programme services provided by the private radio stations whereas Dr. Steffen Kolb of the University of Freiburg presented a study of the private TV stations. The event also focussed on the Swiss telecommunications market and made comparisons with the countries of the European community. OFCOM also described innovations in relation to consumer protection.

The Federal Council has decided not to increase the radio and television reception fees for the period 2011 to 2014. However, it recognizes the increased financial requirements of the SRG. These are to be met by savings within the SRG, liberalisation of advertising, efficiency gains in relation to fee collection as well as additional receipts as a result of an increase in the number of people paying fees.

The association "Bilinguisme+" has awarded the Federal Office of Communications OFCOM the bilingual German-French label. This recognises OFCOM's efforts towards respectful communication with its contacts and between members of staff.

In order to be able to evaluate the requirements of those interested in transmitting their TV programme services in digital quality in Switzerland, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is launching a public consultation. Interested parties have until 12 May 2010 to submit their proposals in relation to a possible award of new DVB-T licences.

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) is forcing Swisscom to offer its leased lines on the access network to all providers at cost-based prices. It has reduced the monthly wholesale prices for leased lines for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 by up to 30%.

In terms of internet access from home, households in Switzerland favour high-speed connections on fixed networks. This was one of the findings of a survey of internet access and usage commissioned by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM). The study also revealed that when it comes to choosing an operator the main criterion is service quality. Once a provider has been chosen, users generally remain loyal and are satisfied with the services provided. They enjoy excellent connections and use the internet intensively but relatively conventionally.

The participants at the fifth Round Table on fibre-optic development discussed the models for cooperation which have recently arisen and took note of the progress in the discussions in the working groups which have been set up. The principles decided at previous round tables are being efficiently implemented in order to prevent duplication of infrastructure and to enable competition. One principle which is gaining acceptance is that the network operators will meet the FTTH installation costs for buildings, rather than their owners. This will accelerate the development of fibre-optic networks.

The Federal Council is in favour of a new fee system to finance public service radio and television. In a report to parliament, it recommends the introduction of a universal fee for households and businesses. The new system would dispense with the existing issues of linking fees to the reception device. In addition, the costs of billing and collecting fees would be considerably reduced.

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has defined the prices and conditions for access to Swisscom’s cable ducts. The monthly price for joint use of cable ducts has been reduced by approximately 50% for the years 2007 and 2008.

At the request of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), the Federal Council has held discussions on the development of broadband in Switzerland.