Moving house: phone and internet contract in Switzerland

The short answer

Telecom law gives no special right to cancel when you move; your contract and terms decide. In a published case the ombudsman rejected early cancellation without cost because the move had not been compulsory, though he proposed a settlement.

When you move, your provider may be able to take the service with you. If it cannot offer the same service at the new address, you may be able to end the contract. The rules for Switzerland are below.

Official source: cas.ombudscom.ch · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Switzerland

The details

You can keep your landline number when moving anywhere in Switzerland if your provider supports it; this is voluntary and may cost a fee. Otherwise you can take the number to another provider. (bakom.admin.ch)
Moving somewhere remote? The universal service provider must decide within 45 days of your request whether it will provide a connection, and deliver it within 12 months of signing, or 6 months if no civil works are needed (Art. 20 FDV). (fedlex.data.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.

📞 +41 31 310 11 77 🔗 de.ombudscom.ch

Official source: de.ombudscom.ch · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Tell the provider earlyGive your moving date and new address, and ask whether the same service is available there.
Check what changesAsk whether the move restarts the minimum term, costs a fee or changes the speed or the price.
Book the connection in timeArrange the connection at the new home early, especially if a technician has to come.
End the contract if you need toIf the service is not available at the new address, ask in writing to end the contract under the rules for Switzerland.

📇 Who to contact

ombudscom – Schlichtungsstelle TelekommunikationOfficial 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.📞 +41 31 310 11 77 🔗 de.ombudscom.ch

Bundesamt für Kommunikation (BAKOM)Supervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 +41 58 460 55 11 🔗 www.bakom.admin.ch

Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz (SKS)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.konsumentenschutz.ch

❓ Questions

Does moving restart my minimum term?

Ask the provider in writing before you agree to anything new, and check the rules for Switzerland on this page.

What if the new home has no connection yet?

Ask the provider for the earliest possible date. A mobile internet plan can bridge the gap.

I am moving abroad. Can I end the contract?

Ask the provider and check your contract and the rules for Switzerland. Keep proof of your move.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

More help in Switzerland

All other problems: who handles whatWho do I contact?100+ things that go wrong — money, housing, work, safety, health, papers, government — and the one desk in Switzerland that actually handles each: phone, site, and what to say when they pick up.Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 430,000 scam dossiers.

📦 I am moving house: what happens to my internet contract in Switzerland?