Can I keep my phone number when I switch provider in Switzerland?
You can keep your landline or mobile number when you change provider (Art. 34a FDV). The new provider coordinates the porting. Your old provider must confirm or reject the request within 1 working day for mobile numbers and 2 working days for other numbers.
You can usually take your mobile or landline number with you to a new provider. You ask the new provider to transfer it, and the number moves on an agreed day.
📜 The rules in Switzerland
Compensation
No compensation for a late or failed port is fixed by law. The ombudsman cannot award damages but can propose a goodwill credit; for a port delayed by the new provider's error he proposed crediting six monthly subscription fees.
The details
- If your contract has been cancelled, you can still have the number ported up to 30 days after the notice period ends. The new provider can ask for the port to happen on the first working day after your notice period. (bakom.admin.ch)
- The ombudsman advises not to cancel the old contract separately when you port: the porting ends it. In a published case the number was switched off because the contract ended before a delayed port. (cas.ombudscom.ch)
- Your provider may offer to let you keep your landline number when you move; this is voluntary and may cost a fee. If it does not, you can take the number to another provider. (bakom.admin.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.
🪜 Step by step
- Do not cancel the old contract firstIf you end the old contract before the transfer, the number can be lost. Let the new provider request the transfer.
- Get your details readyYou usually need the number, the name on the old contract and sometimes a customer number or transfer code from the old provider.
- Agree the transfer dateThe new provider tells you when the number moves. Keep the old SIM or line in use until then.
- Check that everything worksTest calls and messages on the new SIM or line, and check that the old provider sends a final bill and stops charging.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
How long does a number transfer take?
It is usually quick. If the rules in Switzerland set a maximum time or compensation for delays, you find them on this page.
Can I keep my number if I still owe the old provider money?
You still have to pay what you owe under the old contract. Ask the new provider before you switch whether anything could hold up the transfer.
Can I move a mobile number to a landline, or the other way round?
Usually not: mobile numbers move between mobile providers, landline numbers between landline providers.
📎 Sources
- bakom.admin.ch →
- cas.ombudscom.ch →
- bakom.admin.ch →
- de.ombudscom.ch →
- bakom.admin.ch →
- de.ombudscom.ch →
- bakom.admin.ch →
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