Almost every Swiss citizen has access to fixed and mobile phone networks. Switzerland is among the first countries worldwide to introduce the 5G wireless standard. Fixed networks – a statutory basic service – are also continually upgraded.

Almost 100% of the population in Switzerland is connected to a mobile network. Over 20,000 transmitters in three national mobile networks enable interactive voice and data transmission via GSM, 3G/UMTS and 4G/LTE. Switzerland is currently one of the first countries in the world to implement the fifth generation (5G) mobile network.

The mobile communications networks operate in a free market in which a large number of service providers compete for customers. The market leader is Swisscom, a public limited company in which the Swiss Confederation is the majority shareholder. Other major providers include Sunrise and Salt.

Fixed network telephony as a basic universal service
Both mobile and fixed networks operate in a free market, although the state ensures nationwide basic access to a fixed telephone network. As a result, Switzerland's fixed network is one of the densest in the world, covering nearly 100% of all households in Switzerland.

Network capacity is expected to increase significantly as fibre to the home replaces copper wire cabling. Furthermore, IP telephony (via the internet) is fast replacing conventional analogue and digital (ISDN) technologies.