The Swiss government is convinced that the new technology poses minimal health risks and is committed to the rapid erection of 7,500 5G antennae.
Some 42.5% of adults support this strategy, but 41.7% are against, suggests a survey of 1,023 people commissioned by price comparison website Comparis.
The divided nature of public opinion on this contentious subject is largely unchanged from a previous survey last year by the Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich.
The Comparis survey reveals the same split along gender lines as last year. Half of women surveyed were against the rollout (compared to a third of men) whilst 30% supported the network expansion (55% of men).
Significantly more people over the age of 55 support 5G than the age group 36 to 55. Respondents with a higher level of education tended to be more optimistic about the new technology.
Opponents of 5G have so far failed to convince the wider population to back people’s initiatives calling for a halt to network expansion. Two initiatives were abandoned last year having failed to garner enough signatures to force nationwide votes.
Telecoms companies are also using the courts to challenge moratoria on 5G antennae imposed by some Swiss cantons.
Swiss money laundering office registers record number of reports
This content was published on
The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) registered a record number of reports of suspicious activity last year.
Two teens accused of planning terror attack released from custody
This content was published on
The Schaffhausen judiciary has released the two teenagers from custody who allegedly planned bomb attacks in Switzerland.
OECD: Sluggish economic activity slowing growth in Switzerland
This content was published on
Sluggish economic activity at the start of the year is weighing on growth in Switzerland, with GDP expected to fall to 1.1% in 2024.
Report finds mistakes which led to Swiss government data breach
This content was published on
Mistakes were made by both the government and internet company Xplain in the case of a criminal cyber-attack on the Bern-based IT business.
Swiss government wants better gender balance in federal administration
This content was published on
New Swiss government personnel management targets say there must be even more female managers in the federal administration.
Swiss national science foundation funded over 5,000 projects in 2023
This content was published on
In 2023, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) provided a total of CHF961 million worth of funding towards research projects.
Switzerland invites 160 delegations to June Ukraine peace talks
This content was published on
Russia is currently not among the delegations invited to talks aimed at helping bring about peace in the conflict between Moscow and Ukraine.
Survey: air travel most popular way to go on holidays for Swiss
This content was published on
Despite the climate crisis, flying is the most popular mode of transport for private travel – particularly among young, urban and high-income travellers.
Swiss government to use phone data to identify asylum seekers
This content was published on
From April 2025, authorities plan to be able to analyse data from mobile phones, computers and other data carriers to identify asylum seekers.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Most of Swiss far from militant when it comes to 5G
This content was published on
A survey on the rollout of 5G in Switzerland found the population evenly divided on the issue, with those holding extreme positions in the minority.
This content was published on
The environment ministry has finalised guidelines for the regulation of wave limits from new, “adaptive” 5G antennae in Switzerland.
5G could have positive impact on climate, researchers say
This content was published on
A study by Swiss researchers claims that 5G technologies can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to greater energy efficiency.
Initiative aims to overcome Swiss public’s 5G technology misconceptions
This content was published on
Supporters of 5G mobile technology have launched a special platform to engage in discussions with the general public about their concerns.
This content was published on
As authorities, telecoms companies, and experts struggle to communicate the dangers and merits of 5G, Swiss voters might end up having the last word – even if the issue might seem more technical than politcal.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.