Mobile data packages in Switzerland
Which data package is right for me? How long can I surf with 3 GB? Comparis supports you in finding the right mobile phone subscription.
07.10.2022
iStock/Tero Vesalainen
1. Do I need a flat rate for mobile internet?
A flat rate for mobile internet means that you pay a flat rate for internet use via smartphone and can consume unlimited amounts of data. Do you answer yes to most of the following questions? Then a flat-rate subscription makes sense for you:
Do you often stream music through Spotify?
Do you watch movies on Netflix or Youtube?
Do you commute and frequently connect your laptop to the hotspot?
Do you send videos and pictures via Whatsapp?
Do you watch Reels on Instagram or videos on Tiktok?
Do you use Google Maps to navigate?
Do you use your mobile phone to occasionally check your emails or send text messages via Whatsapp? Then a mobile phone subscription with a limited data volume is enough.
Good to know:
The price differences between flat-rate plans and plans with limited data packages have recently become smaller. An overview can be found in the Comparis mobile phone tariff comparison.
2. What does how much data volume need?
Videos in particular are big data drivers: one hour of Netflix in standard resolution consumes 1 GB. A ten-minute video in highest resolution on Facebook or Youtube uses 300 MB. The use of Google Maps is also quite data-intensive at 3 MB per minute.
Do you use Facetime or Whatsapp for video calls? A ten-minute video call generates approximately 50 MB of data. Voice calls consume about 3 MB per ten minutes, a 60-second voice message 0.3 MB.
Do you surf websites and news apps with your smartphone? After a maximum of about eight hours, you have consumed 1 GB. Videos use up 1 GB after about 30 to 60 minutes – depending on the quality and platform. Instagram and Facebook consume up to 10 MB per minute. This means that after about an hour and a half, it’s over.
Tip: websites with more text and fewer images tend to consume significantly less data volume.
Do you stream music and watch short videos from time to time? Then you should pack several gigabytes into your subscription – or just grab the flat rate. 3 GB is enough for about an hour of Netflix, 1 hour of social media and regular internet calls.
If you only check emails and send text messages, 500 MB is enough for one month. The sending of small pictures and voice messages is also still included. With videos, you have consumed half a gigabyte after about 15 minutes (depending on the quality).
3. Where can I see how much data volume I need per month?
For both Android and iOS, you can easily find out the amount of data used:
iOS: the volume of data used can be found under Settings, then Mobile. You can reset the data statistics (scroll down) at the beginning of a month and then observe the consumption.
Android: you will find the information under Settings, then in the Connections area under Data usage.
How to save data
Netflix: set the quality in which you want to stream movies and series in the app.
Block apps for mobile data: For both iPhone and Androiddevices, you can set which apps are only allowed to run over Wi-Fi.
Offline use: download music to your device, preferably via Wi-Fi. This way, you can use Spotify offline for example.
In general, surf on a (secure) WLAN network if possible.
4. Data plans: which provider should I choose?
In Switzerland, there are three major providers that provide their own mobile network: Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. In addition, there are many smaller providers that use the network of the big three. They include: Wingo, Coop Mobile, M-Budget Mobile, Yallo or Aldi Mobile.
First, check the network coverage. If you attach great importance to physical shops and personal advice, the large providers are more suitable. Those who prefer to stay in touch with the provider via chat or email are in good hands with the smaller providers.
How much does 3, 5 or 10 GB of data cost?
Some providers offer only unlimited data, but throttle the speed after a certain amount of data. For some providers, data roaming and telephone calls abroad are included. An overview of the current subscription prices can be found at Comparis:
Are combo packages worthwhile?
With many providers, you can combine your Internet and TV package with a smartphone subscription. For this, you will be rewarded with discounts. This pays off when you really use all three services. But if, for example, you no longer need a TV package, individual offers are usually a better choice.
5. Internet flat rate with prepaid: does that make sense?
A flat rate in the subscription is usually much cheaper than with a prepaid provider. Prepaid offers are always worthwhile if you don’t need the mobile internet every day. Prepaid is also suitable for finding out how much data you need.
6. Do data packages also apply abroad?
Data usage abroad is included in some flat-rate plans, but not always. Data usage abroad is often limited to 1 GB or less. In most cases, however, surfing is included in a specific geographical zone, e.g. EU/Western Europe.
Do you want to play it safe? Get a prepaid SIM card abroad or install an eSIM.
7. Tips for finding the right data package
Find out about partner and family offers: some providers offer a family discount or perks for people in the same household.
Check the network coverage of the providers: Swisscom and Sunrise offer the best coverage. Salt is weaker in certain peripheral regions.
Take advantage of special offers: choose a new provider and pay up to 50 percent less. Attention: minimum contract terms often apply.
Contact your provider: long-standing customers can also benefit from discounts. However, you must proactively check with the provider. Threaten to cancel: You will be amazed at the discounts you can get this way.
This article was first published on 21.04.2020
