Awarding of FM broadcasting licenses
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).
Key points of the licensing process for radio broadcasters
DETEC has established the following framework conditions:
- The existing SRG SSR frequencies will be reserved for SRG SSR.
- The frequencies previously used by licensed radio broadcasters with service mandates are reserved for them.
- All other frequencies are grouped together as frequency clusters to serve specific geographical regions and are allocated by OFCOM upon application. The frequency clusters broadly correspond to existing FM radiocommunications licences.
- Unused frequencies from the reserved band may be put out to tender again from 2027.
Information for SRG SSR and licensed radio broadcasters in their coverage area
The frequencies used by SRG SSR and those in the coverage area of licensed broadcasters with a service mandate are not being put out to tender. SRG SSR and licensed radio broadcasters may obtain a FM radiocommunications licence from OFCOM upon application.
Frequency clusters are allocated by OFCOM.
Information for registered radio broadcasters
The frequency clusters for registered broadcasters are expected to be published in the first semester of 2026.
Radio broadcasters registered in Switzerland may apply for one or more FM radiocommunications licences. One FM radiocommunications licence is granted per frequency cluster. Applications must specify the desired frequency cluster and demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Article 27 RFSO.[1]
[1] The applicant must demonstrate that they have the necessary technical capability and financial resources to ensure operation.
If several applications are received for the same frequency cluster, an auction will be held in autumn 2026. The auction rules will be communicated at that time.
Fees
A one-off administrative fee is charged for participation in the award process (Art. 18 paras 1–3 FeeO-TCA). The fee is calculated at a rate of CHF 210 per hour and is payable by every broadcaster taking part in the award process. As an indicative figure, the fee can be expected to amount to approximately CHF 1,500. This administrative fee is payable regardless of whether a frequency is ultimately assigned.
The radiocommunications licence fee is levied annually on non-licensed broadcasters and amounts to a minimum of CHF 10,000 (Art. 51 FeeO-TCA). Broadcasters holding a service mandate are exempt from the radiocommunications licence fee (Art. 39 TCA); however, they pay a licence fee under Article 22 RTVA, calculated on the basis of their advertising and sponsorship revenue. If the licence is surrendered, the radiocommunications licence fee is charged on a pro rata basis.
The recurring administrative fee is charged annually and amounts to CHF 40 per 1,000 people in the coverage area. Licensed local radio stations receive a 60% reduction (CHF 16/1,000), while the fee for licensed non-commercial radio stations is reduced to CHF 8/1,000 (Art. 28 let. a, Art. 36 paras 1 and 3 FeeO-TCA). If the licence is surrendered, the recurring administrative fee is charged on a pro rata basis.
If an auction is held, the minimum bid will be set by the licensing authority. The lower limit of the minimum bid is calculated, in particular, based on the radio license fee for the entire license term (discounted at the industry-standard interest rate corresponding to the term). The winning bid price must be paid in a single installment immediately after the license is granted. No refund shall be granted in the event of restriction, suspension, revocation, or withdrawal of the license, or in the event of early relinquishment of the license.
Further conditions
Requirements regarding coverage: At least the main site per frequency cluster must be brought into operation. New broadcasters have 90 days from the date of issue of the radiocommunications licence to do so.
FM remains voluntary: FM radiocommunications licences may be surrendered at any time.
Any programme broadcast over FM must also be broadcast over DAB+ within at least the same area, with identical content.
The FM radiocommunications licences will be valid until 31 december 2034.