Swisscom Retains Universal Service Licence for 2024-2031: ComCom

The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) has announced its decision to award Swisscom, one of the major telecommunications providers in Switzerland, the universal service licence for the period from 2024 to the end of 2031. This ensures the implementation of the expanded service offering outlined by the Federal Council.

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Swisscom Sole Provider Interested in Fulfilling Obligations

In its official release, ComCom said it has decided to re-award the licence for nationwide universal service to Swisscom for a duration of eight years, starting in 2024. After surveying the interest among the largest telecommunications providers in Switzerland, Swisscom emerged as the only provider interested in fulfilling the obligations of the universal service.

Consequently, no competitive tender for the licence will be conducted. ComCom, in accordance with the Telecommunications Act, is authorized to designate the universal service provider in such situations, it said.

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Choice of Speeds for Universal Service Subscribers

On December 16, 2022, the Federal Council approved the revised Ordinance on Telecommunications Services (OTS), which defines the scope of universal service for telecommunications from 2024. As of next year, universal service subscribers will have the option to choose between the existing download/upload speeds of 10/1 Mbps or a faster alternative of 80/8 Mbps.

Principle of Subsidiarity and Technology Neutrality

The principle of subsidiarity will be applied, meaning that if an equivalent solution already exists in a particular location, the universal service obligation is considered fulfilled, and the licensee is not required to offer the 80/8 Mbps universal service option.