Deals on Internet plans

Most providers offer Internet plans with different speeds – from 10 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. Which speed is best for you depends on a range of factors:
- Number of simultaneous users in your household
- Type of Internet usage
- Distance between the modem and devices

As a rule, the following Internet speeds are recommended:
- 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps: “normal” web surfing, standard-quality streaming (Netflix, TV streaming websites etc.), sending and receiving e-mails
- 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps: larger distances between modem and devices, use of repeaters, multiple simultaneous users
- 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps: multiple users simultaneously performing high-consumption activities e.g. video conferences, intensive streaming (e.g. UHD resolution), online gaming

Most providers specify an “upload/download” speed in their deals. However, the download speed is usually much higher than the upload speed.

For most people, the download speed is also the most relevant, because it is important for services such as TV streaming. However, if you frequently need to upload large amounts of data, you should find out from the Internet provider what the actual upload speed is. You need a high upload speed to perform tasks such as sending large video files or uploading them to servers.

If you do not watch linear TV anyway, i.e. you don't tune in for a particular programme at the time it is broadcast, you don't need a TV plan. You can usually also find all the films, series and programmes on the broadcaster's TV streaming website. You can access this content at any time and watch it via the Internet on your devices at home, including on your TV. And if you make all your phone calls on your smartphone, you do not need a landline.

You pay a monthly fee for an Internet plan. You may also be charged a connection fee or administrative fees for services such as paper billing, or you may have to pay for devices such as the router.

Swisscom or local network operators are responsible for expanding the fibre optic network. You can find out whether a fibre optic connection is available at your address on the Swisscom website. Other providers can also offer deals using this cable network.

If you regularly send large volumes of data over the Internet, a fibre optic connection is useful. Unlike standard copper cabling, a high level of simultaneous usage won't slow it down. In addition, download and upload speeds are the same on fibre optic connections, which makes uploading data to the network much faster. So if you need the Internet for work, for example, and don't want to be disrupted by slow speeds and waiting times, a fibre optic connection is worth having.