What does 1 Gb/s speed mean? How fast is it?

1 Gigabit per second (1 Gb/s) is about 1,000 times faster than old dial-up modems and at least 10 times faster than a standard ADSL connection. It allows simultaneous 4K video streaming, lag-free online gaming, and fast uploads of large files. For a modern family or business, it is the minimum standard for a smooth and productive digital experience.

Why will copper cables be decommissioned from 2030?

Copper cables are dated technology and offer limited speeds (typically 25-100 Mbps for ADSL). Fiber optics and modern technologies guarantee infinitely higher speeds (1 Gb/s and above). Gradual decommissioning will begin in the decade from 2030 because public and private infrastructure must transition to modern technologies. Without state intervention, sparsely populated areas would remain without modern cover in this forced passage.

Who pays for the CHF 730 million programme?

The Confederation finances 365 million francs (50% of the total), while the Cantons pay the other 365 million (50%). This joint funding reflects the shared responsibility between the federal government and cantonal administrations in ensuring modern connectivity throughout the national territory. The co-financing reflects Swiss federal architecture.

Which areas will be covered first by the program?

The programme is focused on less populated areas, but the specific priority will depend on the cantonal analysis of the "white zones" where the private market does not intervene. Each Canton will play an active role in identifying areas and applying for federal co-financing. The timing will vary depending on the size of the local infrastructure gap and the cantonal organisational capacity.

How can a person or company in a rural area benefit from the program?

There is no individual direct question. The programme works through the Cantons: these will identify priority areas and coordinate with telecom operators for implementation. Once activated, federal-cantonal co-financing should make it cost-effective for private providers to invest even in previously unprofitable areas. Residents and businesses will enjoy the benefits when the new infrastructure is up and running.

Fast internet throughout Switzerland: federal plan (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 9 September 2026

Swiss Alpine village with modern fiber optic infrastructure in rural mountains

Federal Council adopts CHF 730 million programme for broadband in sparsely populated areas. Target: 1 Gb/s by 2030.

Context

In a nutshell

Federal Council approves CHF 730 million programme for fast internet
Objective: speed of at least 1 Gb/s in sparsely populated areas of Switzerland
Without help from the State ~10% household economies would remain disconnected
From 2030 gradually discarded copper cables, modern technologies will replace them

Key facts

What: Federal program to expand modern broadband in rural areas
When: Wednesday Federal Council approves message; decommissioning copper from 2030
Where: Less populated areas of Switzerland
Who: Federal Council, Cantons (50-50 joint funding)
Amount: CHF 730 million total (365 Confederation, 365 Cantons)
Objective: At least 1 Gb/s transmission speed
Gap: Approximately 10% household economies and businesses at risk

On Wednesday, the Federal Council adopted the message for the expansion of the broadband network in Switzerland. The initiative, entitled “Fast Internet throughout Switzerland”, represents a strategic federal intervention to ensure modern connectivity in the least populated areas of the country.

The goal is to achieve a transmission rate of at least 1 Gb/s in these areas. The program is worth 730 million total francs: the Confederation funds 50%, while the Cantons are responsible for the other half. State support is deemed necessary because private providers would not find it profitable to invest in areas with low population density.

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Operational details

Why State Intervention is Crucial

The mandatory transition from copper to fiber optics forces the hand of federal decision-makers. While large cities and densely populated areas will see telecommunications operators naturally compete for investments, rural and sparsely populated areas remain disadvantaged from an economic standpoint.

A private operator would evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of new infrastructure in a remote Alpine valley differently than in a metropolitan area. Without the federal program, the market would leave "white zones" — that is, areas without modern coverage. Swiss federal architecture provides that the central government supplies strategic funds, while the Cantons maintain an active role in identifying priority areas and in local management of implementation.

Implications for Households and Commercial Activities

For those who live and work in sparsely populated areas, the difference is tangible. A 1 Gb/s connection is not a luxury, but increasingly an essential infrastructure for the modern digital economy.

Households will be able to access online services without slowdowns: video streaming, smart home applications, home working, telemedicine. Commercial activities — from a mountain hotel to a craft business in a rural area — will not be penalized by their geographic location. The absence of modern broadband could indeed discourage business settlements and professional talent.

Furthermore, the program supports territorial equity: ensuring that less densely populated Cantons do not become "depopulating zones" due to lack of connectivity. The gradual phase-out of copper cables starting in 2030 makes this infrastructure deployment urgent before that deadline.

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Key points

How Financing Works and Implementation Timeline

The 730 million CHF program is not a generic subsidy, but a co-financing mechanism: the Confederation puts 365 million on the table, and the Cantons do the same. This means that each Canton will have to identify its own white areas and actively participate in the allocation of federal funds.

The Cantons will have the task of defining where private investment is lacking and where, instead, public support can stimulate operators to intervene. This is not a nationalization of the network, but a targeted incentive: the State co-finances projects where the market alone does not act. The decision of the Federal Council represents a first step; now the program will have to be submitted to the Federal Parliament for legislative approval.

Next Steps and Cantonal Involvement

Once definitively adopted, the Cantons will have the concrete task of identifying areas where to activate co-financing and coordinating with telecommunications operators for implementation. Households and businesses in rural areas can expect progressive improvements in connectivity starting from the coming years, with acceleration in the path towards 2030 when copper decommissioning enters into full swing.

If you live or work in a sparsely populated area and your connection is inadequate, you can report the problem to the competent cantonal authorities. As the program takes off, co-financing initiatives should translate into concrete investments in local infrastructure.

A stable and fast internet connection is an integral part of the cost of modern life in Switzerland. Learn more about how connectivity fits into national economic priorities.

Discover Ticino job offers updated daily: 4,000+ positions from Swiss companies hiring cross-border workers.

Source: rsi.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1 Gb/s speed mean? How fast is it?: 1 Gigabit per second (1 Gb/s) is about 1,000 times faster than old dial-up modems and at least 10 times faster than a standard ADSL connection. It allows simultaneous 4K video streaming, lag-free online gaming, and fast uploads of large files. For a modern family or business, it is the minimum standard for a smooth and productive digital experience.
Why will copper cables be decommissioned from 2030?: Copper cables are dated technology and offer limited speeds (typically 25-100 Mbps for ADSL). Fiber optics and modern technologies guarantee infinitely higher speeds (1 Gb/s and above). Gradual decommissioning will begin in the decade from 2030 because public and private infrastructure must transition to modern technologies. Without state intervention, sparsely populated areas would remain without modern cover in this forced passage.
Who pays for the CHF 730 million programme?: The Confederation finances 365 million francs (50% of the total), while the Cantons pay the other 365 million (50%). This joint funding reflects the shared responsibility between the federal government and cantonal administrations in ensuring modern connectivity throughout the national territory. The co-financing reflects Swiss federal architecture.
Which areas will be covered first by the program?: The programme is focused on less populated areas, but the specific priority will depend on the cantonal analysis of the "white zones" where the private market does not intervene. Each Canton will play an active role in identifying areas and applying for federal co-financing. The timing will vary depending on the size of the local infrastructure gap and the cantonal organisational capacity.
How can a person or company in a rural area benefit from the program?: There is no individual direct question. The programme works through the Cantons: these will identify priority areas and coordinate with telecom operators for implementation. Once activated, federal-cantonal co-financing should make it cost-effective for private providers to invest even in previously unprofitable areas. Residents and businesses will enjoy the benefits when the new infrastructure is up and running.