When will the current mobile frequency licences end?

The current licences, which were awarded in 2012, will expire at the end of December 2028. For this reason, ComCom has launched the renewal procedure in 2026, with the award expected in the second quarter of 2027. The new licences will be valid from 1 January 2029 for a period of 15 years, until the end of 2043.

Which are the three telephone companies participating in the auction?

The three largest companies that historically acquire frequencies are Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. In 2012, Swisscom insured 42% of the spectrum for 360 million francs, Sunrise paid over 500 million, while Orange (now Salt) paid out 155 million. ComCom also allows other operators to participate, although entry into the mobile market remains a significant challenge.

What is the minimum starting price and how does it compare with 2012?

The minimum starting price for this auction is CHF 854.7 million. In 2012, the minimum starting point was set at CHF 637 million, but the auction ended with a final result of CHF 996.3 million. ComCom does not provide official estimates of the expected result this time, as it will depend on demand and the behaviour of the participants.

Why did ComCom introduce a limit of 43% spectrum per operator?

The 43% limit was introduced to curb Swisscom's hegemony and protect competition in the Swiss mobile market. In 2012, Swisscom had reached 42% of the available spectrum. This constraint ensures that other operators (Sunrise, Salt and any new entrants) have access to a sufficient number of frequencies to offer competitive services, thus maintaining benefits for consumers.

What are the main frequency bands auctioned and how do prices vary?

ComCom auctioned frequencies in three bands: low (800-900 MHz), medium (1800-2100 MHz) and high (2600 MHz). For low frequencies, known for their wide range and indoor coverage, the initial price was tripled compared to the legal minimum. Mid frequencies have seen their price doubled, as they offer a good compromise between range and speed. High frequencies remain at regulatory minimums. This differentiated pricing reflects the relative value of the different bands.

Mobile telephony, the auction starts at 855 million (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 1 September 2026

Aerial view of Lugano with telecommunications infrastructure and wireless network symbols

ComCom launches the auction for mobile frequencies with a base of 855 million. Applications by 3 December, assignment in 2027, concessions from 2029 for 15 years.

Context

In brief

ComCom announces auction for mobile radio frequencies with a base of CHF 855 million
Applications by 3 December, assignment in 2027, concessions from 1 January 2029
New concessions valid for 15 years

Key Facts

Who: Federal Communications Commission (ComCom)
What: Auction for the renewal of mobile radio frequencies for Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt
When: Applications until 3 December; Q2 2027 award; concessions from 1 January 2029
Where: Switzerland (at federal level)
Starting price: CHF 854.7 million
Duration: 15 years

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has announced the launch of the auction for the renewal of mobile radio frequencies in Switzerland. The minimum basis for the tender has been set at CHF 854.7 million. The three largest telephone companies—Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt—can apply by 3 December, with the allocation of frequencies expected in the second quarter of 2027. The new licences will be valid from 1 January 2029 for a period of 15 years.

Expiring concessions

The frequencies auctioned are identical to those allocated in 2012, which are currently used by Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. Since these licences expire at the end of December 2028, ComCom must initiate a new allocation procedure. The competent body emphasises that the main objectives are to maintain and develop three high-quality mobile communications networks and to promote competition in the market for the benefit of Swiss consumers.

…

Operational details

Protection of competition and limits on supply

In order to curb Swisscom's hegemony, ComCom has reintroduced structural limits on supply. A single operator may not acquire more than 43% of the spectrum subject to limitations. This threshold is designed to ensure that all participants—including established entrants and operators—can have a sufficient allocation to meet their network needs. By 2012, Swisscom had already reached 42%, a concentration against which ComCom intends to put a structural brake in order to protect the competitive momentum of the market.

This protection of competition also serves the interests of small operators and any new entrants wishing to enter the Swiss market, although ComCom acknowledges that entry into the mobile market remains a significant challenge.

Balance between federal revenues and network quality

Although ComCom must generate appropriate revenue from the sale of these limited resources, the body has made it clear that the purpose of the auction is not to maximize revenues for the Confederation. The balance between two objectives—sustainable federal revenues and maintaining the competitive quality of the networks—remains central to ComCom's assessment.

The competent body admits that it cannot provide a firm estimate of actual revenue, as the result will depend on demand and the behaviour of the participants during the tender. The comparison with 2012 is illuminating: the base of 637 million was exceeded by a total of 359 million, an indication that competition between operators can push prices well beyond the initial threshold. If similar dynamics were to occur in 2027, revenues for the Confederation could rise significantly compared to the basic 854.7 million.

…

Key points

What will change for Swiss consumers

Swiss mobile consumers will be able to feel the effects of this tender mainly on prices and quality of services from 2029, when the new licences come into force. Although the current operators (Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt) remain the main candidates, ComCom has kept open the possibility of new operators participating, while admitting that entry into the mobile market is a significant challenge. Competition between the three main operators, facilitated by the new supply caps (maximum 43% of spectrum per operator), should theoretically contain price margins and push for improvements in services.

Continuity remains guaranteed: the current concessions will remain valid until the end of 2028, so there will be no interruption of service during the transition to the new concessions that will start on January 1, 2029.

Timeline and key deadlines

The important dates to remember to follow the development of the auction are:

3 December: Deadline for submission of applications
Second quarter 2027: Official allocation of frequencies by ComCom
1 January 2029: Start of validity of new licences
31 December 2043: End of the concession (15 years from 2029)

To stay up to date with developments, prices and offers from telephone providers, users can regularly consult the official website of ComCom (www.comcom.admin.ch) and follow the announcements of the three main operators.

…

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the current mobile frequency licences end?: The current licences, which were awarded in 2012, will expire at the end of December 2028. For this reason, ComCom has launched the renewal procedure in 2026, with the award expected in the second quarter of 2027. The new licences will be valid from 1 January 2029 for a period of 15 years, until the end of 2043.
Which are the three telephone companies participating in the auction?: The three largest companies that historically acquire frequencies are Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. In 2012, Swisscom insured 42% of the spectrum for 360 million francs, Sunrise paid over 500 million, while Orange (now Salt) paid out 155 million. ComCom also allows other operators to participate, although entry into the mobile market remains a significant challenge.
What is the minimum starting price and how does it compare with 2012?: The minimum starting price for this auction is CHF 854.7 million. In 2012, the minimum starting point was set at CHF 637 million, but the auction ended with a final result of CHF 996.3 million. ComCom does not provide official estimates of the expected result this time, as it will depend on demand and the behaviour of the participants.
Why did ComCom introduce a limit of 43% spectrum per operator?: The 43% limit was introduced to curb Swisscom's hegemony and protect competition in the Swiss mobile market. In 2012, Swisscom had reached 42% of the available spectrum. This constraint ensures that other operators (Sunrise, Salt and any new entrants) have access to a sufficient number of frequencies to offer competitive services, thus maintaining benefits for consumers.
What are the main frequency bands auctioned and how do prices vary?: ComCom auctioned frequencies in three bands: low (800-900 MHz), medium (1800-2100 MHz) and high (2600 MHz). For low frequencies, known for their wide range and indoor coverage, the initial price was tripled compared to the legal minimum. Mid frequencies have seen their price doubled, as they offer a good compromise between range and speed. High frequencies remain at regulatory minimums. This differentiated pricing reflects the relative value of the different bands.