Swisscom is sticking to its goal of covering 90% of Switzerland with 5G mobile network by the end of the year despite slower-than-expected rollout. Further delays due to community pushback could threaten Switzerland’s mobile leadership position, the company warns.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/jdp
Switzerland’s largest telecom provider took the opportunity of its half-yearly results release on Thursday to offer a word of caution about more setbacks in the rollout of 5G network.
“If further delays occur, we run the risk of no longer being able to cope with the enormous growth in data,” Swisscom CEO Urs Schaeppi said in a press releaseExternal link.
He added that this could cause Switzerland to lose its leading position in the mobile communications business as higher data volumes deteriorate the mobile phone networks.
Swisscom along with the two other main providers Salt and Sunrise has faced strong community resistance to plans for 5G network expansion. One survey found that 54% of Swiss citizens believe 5G could be damaging to their health.
Antenna construction projects have run into petitions and political interference, resulting in some changes to licensing procedures. In May, a protest organized by the grassroots Stop5G movement attracted around 1,000 people in Bern.
The telecom providers have dismissed the health and safety fears, stating that the impact is the same as that of 3G and 4G.
Swisscom announced it would start launching 5G networks in mid-April. The majority state-owned company started developing 5G networks in 110 communities but halfway through the year, only 58 towns were operational.
In addition to Switzerland, the company aims to reach 90% 5G coverage in Italy by 2026. The company invested CHF196 million for the mobile radio frequencies for the 5G network in Switzerland in the first half of the year.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
Swiss reject plans for bigger motorways and extra rights for landlords
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Solar energy covers 11% of Switzerland’s electricity needs
This content was published on
Solar power covers eleven percent of the electricity demand in Switzerland. The industry's turnover for the current year is around CHF 3.7 billion, as shown by the first ever publication of the Swiss Solar Monitor.
This content was published on
The recovery in Swiss industry is a long time coming. The managers responsible for purchasing have lowered their assessments again. By contrast, the services PMI remained in growth territory in November.
This content was published on
Switzerland is concerned about the escalation of hostilities in Syria. It calls on all parties to respect international law and protect the civilian population.
Trial opens into 1995 murder in Geneva of Egyptian diplomat
This content was published on
The Criminal Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court opened the main hearing in the case of the murder of an Egyptian diplomat in Geneva in 1995 on Monday.
This content was published on
Museum attendance is back on the rise in Switzerland. Nearly 15 million admissions were recorded in 2023, 12% more than the 2015-2019 average prior to the Covid crisis.
This content was published on
Immigration, support for Ukraine and pandemic measures polarise opinions and emotions in Switzerland particularly strongly.
This content was published on
The abolition of all tax concessions with a climate impact can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.5 million tonnes per year, according to a study by the EPFL.
Swiss corruption case involving Trafigura and former executive opens
This content was published on
Trafigura and three other defendants including a former board member go on trial over the alleged payment of bribes to an Angolan oil official for oil deals in a landmark case that opens on Monday.
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
Swiss fear effects of 5G antennas
This content was published on
Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications antennas are starting to go up in Switzerland. Not everyone is happy about this.
5G: How a counter-movement took shape in Switzerland
This content was published on
We speak with the founder of the Stop5G citizen group, which wants to put a halt to plans to introduce the technology in Switzerland.
This content was published on
The cantons of Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel and Vaud are reported to have declared or to be considering a moratorium on 5G antennas. The issue is also reportedly on the agenda in Bern, St Gallen and Schwyz. But an OfcomExternal link spokesperson told the SonntagsZeitung newspaper on Sunday that the federal authorities alone are responsible for…
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.