Enabling communication – strengthening diversity

The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) issues VHF (FM) radiocommunications licences upon application, on the basis of an approval decision by the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC).

The development of mobile communications has profoundly transformed our daily life and relies on a complex technical infrastructure consisting of interconnected antennas and base stations. In cases of insufficient reception inside certain buildings, private individuals sometimes consider — or proceed with — the installation of mobile phone repeaters, also referred to as GSM amplifiers or «repeater». While this solution may appear to be a simple way to improve signal quality, the installation and operation of such equipment by private individuals raise significant technical and legal concerns.

The Media Structure Report analyses the development of television, radio, online media, and now also the press in the Swiss media landscape. For each of these media types, it provides an overview of the offerings and organizations, financing, content, and usage. The report not only tracks long-term developments in the Swiss media landscape but also provides a robust foundation for policy decisions regarding the future of media in Switzerland.

During trips abroad, using your mobile phone to make or receive calls, to send or receive text (SMS) or media (MMS) messages, or to access the internet could cost you dearly.

Remote controlled aircraft information

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has instructed the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) to prepare for awarding the mobile radio frequencies that will become available in 2029. In the interests of competition and transparency, ComCom is planning a public tender for these frequencies, probably in 2026. Frequencies from the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, which were acquired by Swiss mobile network operators in 2012, will be allocated. They comprise a good half of the mobile frequencies currently allocated. The corresponding licences will expire at the end of 2028.

Every year the volume of data exchanged on the mobile network doubles. The introduction of the 3rd generation 3G (UMTS) in the middle of the 2000s, and then the rollout of the 4th generation 4G (LTE) from 2012 onwards made it possible to cover requirements, until now. These technologies, however, are now reaching their limits. The introduction of 5G will make it possible to appreciably increase data transmission capacities.