Press releases
Federal Council to strengthen cyber resilience of digital products
Although preventing security vulnerabilities is crucial for cybersecurity, Switzerland currently has few regulations regarding the cyber resilience of digital products. The Federal Council aims to change this. At its meeting on 20 August, it tasked the DDPS, in collaboration with DETEC and the EAER, with drafting a bill to be submitted for consultation. This new legislation will raise security requirements for products containing digital components, responding to the demands of Motion 24.3810, ‘Conducting urgently needed cybersecurity checks’, which was submitted by the Security Policy Committee of the Council of States.
Electronic signatures: data access period extended
When a certificate that validates an electronic signature is revoked, information about the revocation must now remain accessible online for at least 11 years. The Federal Council approved this revision to the Ordinance on the Electronic Signature at its meeting on 20 August.
Postal services: Modernisation of universal service
The universal postal and payment transaction services are to be adapted to the changing habits and needs of the public and businesses. Legal certainty is to be established regarding which postal activities are permissible besides the universal service. At its meeting on 13 August 2025, the Federal Council adopted key parameters for a revision of the law on postal services.
Switzerland to host a global summit on artificial intelligence in 2027
On 25 June 2025, the Federal Council expressed its intention to host an artificial intelligence (AI) summit in Geneva in 2027.
Modernisation of emergency call access
In future, people with hearing impairments will be able to contact the emergency services (police, fire service and medical emergency number) in writing using the text function on their smartphones. The bill also proposes recording the short number 142 for victim support in an ordinance. This creates the necessary clarity for implementation. The Federal Council put a corresponding revision of the relevant leigislation out for consultation on 20 June.
Swiss Post meets its universal service obligations for payment transactions
In 2024 at least 95.8% of the population in all cantons was able to use cash payment services (including service at home) offered by Swiss Post. In its annual analysis, the Federal Office of Communications OFCOM concludes that Swiss Post once again fulfilled its universal service obligations.
Support for the media: Federal Council welcomes measures that can be implemented quickly
Independent and diversified media play a key role in a democratic society. The Federal Council therefore welcomes the targeted increase in support for electronic media as proposed by the Council of States Transport and Telecommunications Committee. At its meeting on 30 April, the Federal Council adopted its opinion on the committee report in which it requests Parliament to approve the Committee's draft bill.
Consultation on the partial revision of the Postal Services Ordinance
In future, Swiss Post is to be given more flexibility in the home delivery of letters, parcels and daily newspapers. Universal service should also take greater account of the high level of digitalisation among the public and businesses and so be expanded to include digital offerings. The Federal Council put a corresponding revision of the Postal Services Ordinance out to consultation on 16 April 2025.
DETEC awards TV licence in Biel/Bienne to Canal B
On 3 April 2025, the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has again awarded the licence for regional television in the Biel/Bienne coverage area to Canal B.
Switzerland signs Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence
On 27 March Federal Councillor Albert Rösti will sign the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in Strasbourg on Switzerland’s behalf. By signing the agreement, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to the responsible use of AI technologies in accordance with fundamental rights.
Consultation launched on programme to expand high-speed internet throughout Switzerland
The Federal Council’s gigabit strategy aims to provide access to high-speed internet throughout Switzerland. A temporary funding programme will drive forward the expansion of broadband via fibre optic and wireless infrastructure. At its meeting on 14 March 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the new Broadband Promotion Act.
Publication of report on EU data policy monitoring
The digital policy activities of the EU (European Union) can also impact Switzerland under certain circumstances. Swiss companies nevertheless do not face significant risks regarding the EU’s access to the single market at this time, according to a report published by the Federal Administration on 17 February 2025 analysing the impact of EU digital policy on Switzerland.
AI regulation: Federal Council to ratify Council of Europe Convention
Switzerland intends to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to make the necessary amendments to Swiss law. Work will also continue on the regulation of AI in specific sectors such as healthcare and transport. The Federal Council spoke out in favour of this approach at its meeting on 12 February.
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris
At the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris on 10 and 11 February, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti highlighted the opportunities that AI offers to society and the economy. In particular, he stressed the need to adopt an inclusive approach in the global debate on AI. Switzerland has also expressed an interest in hosting the next AI Action Summit. He also signed two memorandums of understanding with French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot aimed at developing cross-border rail traffic between Switzerland and France.
Negotiating mandate for recognition of electronic signatures
Electronic signatures on documents should be recognised in Switzerland and in the European Union (EU). At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) to draw up a corresponding mandate for negotiating with the EU, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Swiss data ecosystem: Contact point becomes operational
At its meeting on 15 January, the Federal Council was informed that the Swiss data ecosystem contact point has commenced work. The contact point supports public authorities, businesses and organisations in establishing trusted data spaces. Its groundwork contributes to better exploiting the potential of data in Switzerland, thus creating additional value for society, the economy and research.
Network security and cybersecurity: OFCOM strengthens its commitment
Since 1 January 2025, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has two units specialising in cybersecurity and the security of telecommunications networks. The Market Access and Cybersecurity Section (MC) is responsible in particular for verifying that radiocommunications equipment complies with privacy and personal data protection requirements. The aim of the Networks and Services Security Section (SND) is to maintain and improve the security and availability of telecommunications networks and services.
Increase in delivery discounts for newspapers and magazines in 2025
In 2025, local and regional daily and weekly publications benefitting from indirect support for print media will receive a discount of 28 centimes per copy distributed by Swiss Post, 3 centimes more than in 2024. Titles published by associations and foundations will benefit from a support of 22 centimes per copy, an increase of 2 centimes compared to this year. The Federal Council set these amounts at its meeting on 13 December 2024.
Matthias Hürlimann appointed head of OFCOM's Telecom Services and Post Division
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti has appointed Matthias Hürlimann as vice-director of the Federal Office of Communications and head of the Telecom Services and Post Division. The 51-year-old lawyer will take up his new position on 1 November 2024.
World Radiocommunication Conference: Ratification of the Final Acts
At its meeting on 20 September 2024, the Federal Council ratified the Final Acts of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). This lays down the formal framework for the future use of frequencies in Switzerland. It guarantees that the information and communication sector will have access to the frequencies it needs at national level. The country's military security interests are also protected.
SERAFE AG to remain the collection agency for the radio and television fee
SERAFE AG will continue to collect the household radio and television fee for the federal government after 2025. On 14 September 2024, the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) awarded SERAFE AG the mandate for the period 2026 to 2034 following an open tender process. Their bid offered the best price-performance ratio.
Digital Switzerland advisory committee: Exchange on the regulation of artificial intelligence
At the Digital Switzerland advisory board meeting on 11 September 2024, participants discussed possible approaches to regulating artificial intelligence (AI). They agreed that the opportunities offered by AI should be exploited while seeking to minimise the risks for society. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi.
Indirect support for print media: Federal Council rejects fixed-term increase in contributions
At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Federal Council adopted its opinion on the report of the National Council Transport and Telecommunications Committee (TTC-N) on the parliamentary initiative aimed at increasing indirect financial support to assure an independent press (22.423). Out of media policy and financial policy considerations, it is requesting Parliament not to approve the introduction of the committee's proposal. Should Parliament nevertheless approve the introduction of the bill, the Federal Council proposes a smaller increase in press subsidies and a subsequent return to the current level.
Preparation for the next award of mobile telephony licences
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. Frequency bands will be allocated by means of an auction if there is a shortage of frequencies.
Federal Council rejects SRG SSR initiative and proposes reducing fee to CHF 300 instead
SRG SSR requires sufficient financial resources to be able to provide equivalent journalistic services in all language regions. The Federal Council therefore rejects the federal popular initiative '200 francs is enough! (SRG SSR Initiative)'. It approved the dispatch on this issue on 19 June 2024. However, the Federal Council wants to ease the financial burden on households and businesses. It has therefore decided to gradually reduce the radio and television licence fee for households to CHF 300 per year by 2029. The Federal Council will not grant SRG SSR a new licence until the vote on the SRG SSR initiative has been held. It is therefore extending the current SRG SSR licence until the end of 2028.
Postal service: Modernisation and financial stabilisation of universal services
Universal postal and payment transaction services are to be expanded to include digital offerings and placed on a financially viable footing. At its meeting on 14 June 2024, the Federal Council defined the outlines of a draft consultation on the revision of the Postal Services Ordinance.
Payment transactions: Swiss Post meets the requirements of the universal service
In all cantons, Swiss Post enables at least 95.8% of the population to access cash payment services within 20 minutes. In its annual analysis, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) concludes that in 2023 Swiss Post once again fulfilled the requirements of the universal service.
Geneva at the centre of high-level discussions on digitalisation and AI
At the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti emphasised the challenges posed by developments in the global information society. He emphasised the importance of International Geneva in developing consensus-based solutions in the field of digitalisation. The AI4Good Global Summit, one of the world's most important events on artificial intelligence, is being held in Geneva at the same time.
Council of Europe adopts Convention on Artificial Intelligence developed with the contribution of Switzerland
On 17 May 2024, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its 133rd Ministerial Session, which was attended by the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Ignazio Cassis. The aim of the convention is to ensure compliance with the legal standards applicable to AI in terms of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Switzerland was actively involved throughout the negotiations, which lasted a year and a half.
Discussions on artificial intelligence and its regulation at the Swiss IGF
This year, the Swiss Internet Governance Forum (Swiss IGF) will be holding debates and discussions on a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence to data protection and disinformation. The 9th Swiss IGF will be held in Bern on 5 June 2024, and registration is still open.
René Dönni Kuoni named as new OFCOM deputy director
René Dönni Kuoni has been appointed deputy director of the Federal Office of Communications OFCOM. The Federal Council acknowledged the appointment at its meeting on 10 April. From 1 November, René Dönni Kuoni will also take over as head of the Licences and Frequency Management Division, succeeding Philippe Horisberger, who is retiring, in both roles.
Competition in the telecommunications market is stable
The Swiss telecommunications market offers a wide range of affordable, high-quality and competitive services. The competitive situation is generally stable. In addition, the population has access to a reliable and affordable universal service. This is the conclusion reached by the Federal Council in its first evaluation report on the Swiss telecommunications market, which it adopted at its meeting on 15 March 2024.
Federal Council sets out proposals for media funding independent of broadcast channel
Digital transformation poses major challenges for the Swiss media. Many companies are struggling with declining consumption of traditional media offerings and falling advertising revenues. This has an impact on the diversity of the Swiss media landscape. A postulate report adopted by the Federal Council at its meeting on 21 February 2024 sets out models for future state support for the media. The Federal Council has refrained from recommending a particular option.
New licences for 38 local radio and regional television stations
The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has issued 38 licences to local radio and regional television stations for the period 2025 to 2034. Most of the existing licence holders will also be awarded the contract for the new period. In one TV and two radio coverage areas, the licence is being awarded to a new applicant.
Consultation on the award of mobile telephony frequencies usable from 2029
From 2029, various mobile telephony frequencies will be available due to expiring mobile radio licences. On 19 December 2023, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) opened a public consultation to determine the needs and intentions of the mobile communication sector and other stakeholders for these and other frequencies. The consultation is being conducted on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) and will run until 26 February 2024.
World Radiocommunication Conference 2023: Swiss delegation achieved its goals
At the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai, which ended on 15 December 2023, important decisions were taken regarding future radio usage. Following intensive four-week negotiations, agreements were reached in the areas of mobile communications, satellites, aviation and science. The Swiss delegation achieved the goals set by the Federal Council.
Indirect support for print media set to fall for local and regional newspapers
In 2024, local and regional daily and weekly newspapers distributed by Swiss Post will benefit from a discount of 25 centimes per copy, 1 centime less than this year. On 15 December 2023, the Federal Council set the amount that will be allocated to subscription newspapers and periodicals next year. Publications of non-profit organisations will benefit from 2 centimes more, i.e. 20 centimes per copy, thanks to unallocated resources.
Federal Council wishes to reduce the geopolitical risks associated with digital infrastructure
The Federal Council intends to strengthen the security of Switzerland's telecommunications and digital infrastructures. At its meeting on 15 December 2023, it adopted a report in response to a postulate (20.3984) calling for a reduction in the geopolitical risks associated with the development of infrastructures such as 5G. DETEC is tasked with presenting a draft revision of the Telecommunications Act.
Federal Council wants whole of Switzerland to have access to high-speed Internet
People across the country should be able to access ultra-high-speed Internet. That is the aim being pursued by the Federal Council in its gigabit strategy. To that end, it is proposing a funding programme to support the expansion of the network outside urban centres. It would be financed primarily with funds from future mobile radio frequency allocations. At its meeting on 8 December 2023, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) to draft a bill for consultation.
Basis for restricting the essential postal services in the event of severe power shortages
Swiss Post should maintain its basic postal and payment services whenever possible, even in the event of a prolonged power shortage. However, if restrictions are imposed on universal service due to electricity-saving measures, Swiss Post should not face any penalties. At its meeting on 8 December 2023, the Federal Council submitted the corresponding ordinance for consultation.
Federal Council releases frequencies for mobile private networks
From 1 January 2024, a frequency range will be available to interested parties for in-house communication using independent mobile networks. This option is provided for in the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), along with other adjustments. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 29 November 2023.
New composition of ComCom from 2024
At its meeting on 22 November, the Federal Council appointed Christian Martin, vice president of the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom), as the new president from 2024. The current president, Adrienne Corboud Fumagalli, is standing down after completing the maximum term of office. The Federal Council also appointed Stephanie Teufel as the new vice president and Christine Benesch as a new member of the Commission.
Switzerland to introduce USB-C as standard for common charger
From 2024, consumers will be able to use the same charger for a whole range of electronic devices regardless of manufacturer: USB-C will be the standard charger format in Switzerland. To this end, the Federal Council adopted a revision of the Telecommunications Installations Ordinance (TIO) at its meeting on 22 November 2023. Further amendments concern regulations on radio equipment to ensure public safety as well as provisions on fees in the satellite sector and for local private networks.
Federal Council outlines procedure for mobile telecommunications in the millimetre wave range
In a report issued following its meeting on 22 November 2023, the Federal Council announced that it does not intend to release millimetre waves for mobile telecommunications until it is clear that industry requires this technology and the necessary environmental legislation has been established.
Federal Council examining regulatory approaches to AI
The Federal Council wants to harness the potential of AI while minimising the risks it poses to society. At its meeting on 22 November 2023, it therefore in-structed DETEC to prepare an overview of possible regulatory approaches to AI, which is expected to be available by the end of next year.
Switzerland in search of new frequency bands at the World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai
Switzerland is taking part in the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), which will be held in Dubai from 20 November to 15 December 2023. One of the main tasks will be to identify new radio frequency bands to ensure broadband connectivity. The Swiss delegation will be led by Philippe Horisberger, Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).
Report supports proposed measures to counter the spread of illegal hate speech
Hate speech poses a serious challenge to democratic societies. The Federal Council is currently seeking to reinforce legal protection against hate speech with a number of regulatory projects. In particular, these should reinforce the rights of digital platform users. This is the conclusion of a postulate report adopted by the Federal Council at its meeting on 15 November 2023.
Federal Council rejects 'SRG Initiative', but cost of radio and television fee set to fall
The Federal Council rejects the federal popular initiative '200 francs is enough!' (SRG Initiative). He took the decision at its meeting on 8 November. However, in view of the financial burden on households, the Federal Council plans to lower the fee to CHF 300 a year. In adjusting the exemption threshold to an annual turnover of CHF 1.2 million, more small businesses should also benefit as well. To implement these changes, the Federal Council intends to partially revise the Radio and Television Ordinance.
Improving the resilience of mobile networks during power outages
Mobile operators must take steps to ensure that people and businesses can continue to use the mobile network in the event of power supply disruptions. At its meeting on 1 November 2023, the Federal Council initiated the consultation process on a revision of the Ordinance on Telecommunications Services.
Last extension of FM licenses by two years
Radio programmes can still be broadcast on FM until the end of 2026. At its meeting on 25 October 2023, the Federal Council extended the FM licences due to expire in 2024 for another two years. This will give broadcasters more flexibility to successfully migrate from analogue to digital radio.