Fibre optic expansion Fast internet for Switzerland
Fibre optic promises fast surfing and opens up access to new technologies. But is Switzerland keeping up with its expansion? For whom is a fibre optic connection worthwhile? Comparis explains what you need to know.
07.03.2023
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1. What internet technologies are available in Switzerland?
Broadband internet is the generic term for internet access with a high data transmission rate. Broadband internet is standard in Switzerland and enables fast surfing across the board. The following broadband internet technologies are available:
DSL (copper telephone lines, also available as a hybrid with fibre optic)
VDSL (hybrid fibre optic/copper, short copper cable)
coaxial cable(hybrid fibre optic/coaxial cable)
fibre optic (FFTH)
Fibre optic speed compared
Maximum possible speed as of November 2022
2. Advantages of fibre optic: is it the best broadband internet?
Fibre optic has by far the highest bandwidth compared to DSL, VDSL or coax. There is a condition, however: the fibre optic line must run directly into your house or apartment (FTTH, fibre-to-the-home).
Everyone in your house using fibre optic can surf the internet, play games and at the same time with no loss of performance.stream
3. How does Switzerland compare internationally?
At the end of 2021, Switzerland had the highest market penetration of broadband connections among all countries of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) – in relation to the number of inhabitants. More than 48% of the Swiss population had broadband internet.
4. Why do we need fast internet in the future?
The demand for fast internet has exploded in the last decade: according to the IDC, the global data volume in 2022 is almost 50 times greater than in 2010. This is because new technologies require fast internet connections.
By expanding the fibre optic network, Switzerland is creating the infrastructure for higher bandwidths and thus the basis for the technologies of the future. This includes, for example, internet of things (e.g. smart homes), virtual reality applications or blockchain.
5. How widely available is fibre optic in Switzerland?
In order to remain competitive, Switzerland needs a comprehensive fibre optic network. The interactive Broadband Atlas of the Federal Office of Communications shows where different types of connections are available.
It’s clear: fast fibre optic internet is mostly available in urban areas. People in rural areas generally access the internet via copper or coaxial cables.
6. What internet connection do I have at home?
With the Comparis internet checker you can quickly find out which connection you have in your home. Alternatively, look at the internet connection sockets in your home.
Comparis tip: do you use DSL/VDSL or FTTH? Deactivate your cable connection to avoid hidden costs. You could save up to several hundred francs per year.
How fast is the internet with fibre optic providers?
Init7 offers the fastest internet in Switzerland with up to 25,000 Mbps. With other providers, the speed is up to 10,000 Mbps. This includes fibre optic from Sunrise, Swisscom or Salt. Smaller providers such as Green, Quickline or Teleboy offer a maximum of 10,000 Mbps. Please note that the fibre optic connection must already extend into the apartment.
7. How much does a fibre optic connection cost?
Die Kosten für den Glasfaser-Anschluss übernimmt der Anbieter. Sie zahlen die monatlichen contract costs for your internet subscription .
8. Is fibre optic worth it for me?
Most devices such as laptops, tablets or mobile phones are not designed for speeds of 10,000 Mbps or more. This means that the performance of ultra-fast internet plans is actually lower. Wi-Fi routers also reduce speed.
Fast browsing is possible with all broadband technologies. The even faster fibre optic connection is particularly worthwhile if
multiple people in your household stream, game or surf the internet at the same time;
it is very important you have a stable and reliable internet connection;
you work from home with large amounts of data.
This article was first published on 06.12.2022
