Phone & internetDE
Phone & internet · Switzerland
Checked 2026-10-14

📝 What must I get before I sign a phone or internet contract in Switzerland, and can I change my mind?

The short answer

A contract agreed at your door, in the street or by phone can be withdrawn within 14 days if it is worth more than CHF 100 (Art. 40a–40f OR). For online contracts Swiss law gives no withdrawal right; check the provider's terms.

Before you sign, you should get the key terms in writing: price, term, speed and how to leave. In many countries a short contract summary is required, and contracts made online, by phone or at your door usually come with a cooling-off period. The rules for Switzerland are below.

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

📜 The rules in Switzerland

The details

  • Swiss telecom law requires no contract summary like the EU's. Providers must, however, make sure their prices are transparent for customers (Art. 12a FMG). (fedlex.data.admin.ch)
  • The 14 days start only once the provider has told you in text form about your right to withdraw, its form and deadline, and its address. Withdrawal needs no particular form, and posting it on the last day is enough (Art. 40d–40e OR). (fedlex.data.admin.ch)
  • There is no withdrawal right if you expressly asked for the sales talk yourself, or if you agreed at a market or fair stand (Art. 40c OR). (fedlex.data.admin.ch)
  • Swiss law has no general withdrawal right for online purchases. Some providers grant one voluntarily, so check the terms and conditions before you sign up. (seco.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

  1. Ask for the contract summaryRead the price after any discount, the minimum term, the speeds and the conditions for leaving.
  2. Keep everythingSave the summary, the contract and the offer you were shown, with the date.
  3. Know your cooling-off periodIf you signed online, by phone or at your door, check how long you have to change your mind.
  4. Cancel in a way you can proveUse the form or address the provider gives, and keep proof of when you sent it.

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

Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.

❓ Questions

Does the cooling-off period apply to a contract signed in a shop?

Usually not: it normally covers contracts made online, by phone or away from the shop.

Do I pay for days I already used?

If you asked for the service to start during the cooling-off period, you may have to pay for the days you used.

What if I never got a contract summary?

Tell the provider in writing and ask the regulator what this means for your contract in Switzerland.

📎 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.

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