How do I switch my phone or internet provider in Switzerland?
You can take your number to a new provider. The new provider handles the porting, and you can authorise it to cancel your old contract and request the transfer. It can ask for the switch on the first working day after your notice period ends.
Switching is mostly paperwork: the network stays where it is, only the company that provides your service changes. Who arranges the switch and how long the service may be down depends on the rules in Switzerland.
📜 The rules in Switzerland
The details
- Your old provider must carry out a porting request even if you are in a dispute with it, for example over a bill. (bakom.admin.ch)
- On request, your provider must give you free of charge the details you need to switch, such as the line ID of a fibre (OTO number) or DSL connection, and your login data for its services (Art. 7 FDV). (bakom.admin.ch)
- Leaving before the minimum term ends usually costs a termination fee set in the terms and conditions. In the ombudsman's view, a flat fee should be reduced in proportion to the time already served. (de.ombudscom.ch)
ombudscom – Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation
Official telecom dispute body: mediates between you and your provider once your complaint to the provider has failed. You pay a CHF 20 handling fee. Phone line for questions on the procedure, working days 10:00–13:00.
Bundesamt für Kommunikation (BAKOM)
Federal telecoms authority for complaints under public telecom law, such as universal service, emergency call routing, value-added numbers, spam and free choice of provider. If it finds a breach, it can open supervisory proceedings or, for example, withdraw a number.
Compare offers
We found no official, state-run price comparison for phone and internet in Switzerland.
🪜 Step by step
- Check your current contractFind the end of the minimum term, the notice period and any exit fee. They are in your contract summary or online account.
- Compare offersLook at the total cost over the whole term: set-up fees, equipment, and the price after any discount period ends.
- Sign with the new providerSay whether you want to keep your number. Ask the new provider whether it arranges the switch and the end of your old contract.
- Return equipment and check the final billSend back rented equipment if you are asked to, keep proof of it, and check that the old provider stops charging you.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Will I be without phone or internet when I switch?
There can be a short break on the switching day. Ask both providers for the planned date, and see the rules for Switzerland on this page.
Can I switch before my contract ends?
Yes, but while the minimum term is still running you may have to pay an exit fee or the remaining monthly charges. Check your contract summary first.
Do I have to cancel the old contract myself?
That depends on the service and the rules in Switzerland. Ask the new provider and keep written confirmation of the end date.
📎 Sources
- bakom.admin.ch →
- bakom.admin.ch →
- de.ombudscom.ch →
- de.ombudscom.ch →
- bakom.admin.ch →
- de.ombudscom.ch →
- bakom.admin.ch →
- konsumentenschutz.ch →
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