How to cancel Salt, Swisscom, Yallo and other mobile phone plans correctly
Cancelling a mobile phone contract or switching to a different provider is straightforward. You just need to bear a few points in mind. We give you tips on switching providers and show you how you can save on your mobile plan.
21.08.2023
iStock.com/ranz12
1. I want to keep my number. Do I still need to cancel if my number is ported?
All Swiss mobile phone providers allow you to port your mobile phone number. This allows you to take your old mobile phone number with you to a new provider when you switch.
Cancellation with porting
If you want to keep your mobile phone number when cancelling your plan, you just need to let your new provider know that you would like to keep your current number. Your new provider will take care of cancelling your old contract if you decide to port your number. You don’t have to do anything else.
Your new provider will only cancel your plan after your contract’s minimum duration and cancellation period is over. If you are not sure when your contract is due to end, ask your current provider.
Cancellation without porting
If you don’t port your number, you must cancel your existing contract yourself. You are still bound to the minimum term and notice period stipulated in your current contract.
Comparis tip
Send “info” by text message to 503. Your current provider will then notify you of the next possible cancellation date.
2. Does my mobile phone contract have a minimum term?
Many providers don’t have a minimum term for their standard plans. However, they sometimes impose them on special deals. Your contract will state whether there is a minimum term for your plan. Otherwise, you can always ask your provider.
If you cancel early, you will usually be charged the monthly fees due until the end of the minimum period. You should ideally try to take out a mobile phone plan with no minimum term.
3. What conditions apply when terminating a contract with Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt?
You can end your contract at any time provided you observe the cancellation notice period. Each provider defines its own conditions regarding minimum contract terms and notice periods.
| salt | Sunrise | Swisscom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum contract in months* | 12 months/24 months | None | 12 months |
| Notice period | 60 days from minimum term’s end | 60 days to the end of the month | 60 days from minimum term’s end |
| Charge for early termination | Total monthly payments until end of minimum term | – | Total monthly payments until end of minimum term |
| Cancellation method | By telephone at 0800 780 100 (freephone)/by post | By telephone at 0800 100 600 (freephone) / via callback / chat | By telephone at 0800 40 50 60 (freephone) / via callback / chat |
*Minimum terms may vary depending on the provider’s offer. Mobile providers typically specify a minimum term on special offers or heavily discounted deals.
4. What are the cancellation policies of Coop Mobile, M-Budget Mobile, VTX, Wingo, Yallo?
Salt, Sunrise and Swisscom operate the mobile network in Switzerland. Other mobile providers, known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), use one of these three networks. Below you’ll find a selection of other major mobile providers.
| Coop Mobile | M-Budget Mobile | VTX (page available in German, French) | Wingo | Yallo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network operator | Swisscom | Swisscom | Salt | Swisscom | Sunrise |
| Minimum contract in months* | - | - | 12 months/24 months | - | - |
| Notice period | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days from minimum term’s end | 60 days | 60 days to the end of the month |
| Charge for early termination | - | - | Reimbursement of discounts through special offers or minimum duration Covering shipping costs for returning physical devices Total monthly payments until end of minimum term | - | - |
| Cancellation method | By telephone at 0800 746 746 (free of charge) / by callback / via contact form / in writing (page available in German, French, Italian) | In writing by letter (page available in German, French, Italian) | In writing (page available in German, French) | By telephone on 0900 94 93 92 (1.50/min.) / via contact form / in writing (page available in German, French, Italian) | By telephone on 0840 00 33 77 (free of charge) / [chat] (https://support.yallo.ch/hc/de/articles/360001085818-Abo-pausieren-oder-k%C3%BCndigen#:~:text=Du%20m%C3%B6chtest%20dein%20yallo%20Abo,33%2077%20oder%20per%20Chat) (page available in German, French, Italian) |
*Minimum terms may vary depending on the provider’s offer. Mobile providers typically specify a minimum term on special offers or heavily discounted deals.
5. Fierce competition means huge savings opportunities
The mobile phone plan market in Switzerland is saturated. As a result, mobile providers regularly run promotions and advertise special offers to encourage customers to switch. You can therefore make substantial savings. Flat-rate plans are available from as little as 20 francs.
Before you take out a contract with a new provider, check the cancellation policy of your current provider carefully.
6. What other ways can I save on my mobile phone plan?
Are you happy with your current provider but noticed a good deal with another provider? If so, you should negotiate. In recent years, many providers started getting customers to cancel their plans by telephone.
This is presumably to make it more difficult. Use this against them: call agents are trained to prevent you from cancelling, usually by offering special discounts.
This article was first published on 02.09.2021
