The 3G shutdown in Switzerland has long been more than a technical issue for many households. Following the shutdown by Sunrise and Swisscom, some older mobile phones, seniors’ emergency call devices, vehicle trackers or alarm systems may now work only to a limited extent – or not at all. The particularly critical point is this: a device may show 4G but still not make calls reliably. In many cases, VoLTE is required for this.
Anyone using older devices or responsible for relatives should now carry out a systematic check. This also applies to businesses with alarm transmission systems, lift phones, tracking devices or machines that send data via the mobile network.
The schedule: 3G is practically a thing of the past on the major networks
Swiss mobile operators are converting their networks to 4G, 5G and modern IoT technologies. The frequencies previously used for 3G are needed for more powerful standards.
| Operator | 3G shutdown status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Swisscom | 3G was shut down at the end of 2025. | Devices must use other network technologies for voice and data. |
| Sunrise | Sunrise shut down its 3G network in 2025. | Older 3G phones and M2M devices need an alternative. |
| Salt | Salt has also been advancing the replacement of 3G. | You should clarify the specific status of a device directly with Salt or the manufacturer. |
Swisscom explains the shutdown by stating that 3G is technically outdated and that modern standards use the available frequencies more efficiently. Swisscom publishes migration details on its page about the replacement of 3G. The ComCom also provides an overview of mobile coverage.
Important: network coverage alone does not answer whether your device will continue to work. The decisive factors are the mobile standard built into the device, the software and the configuration with the operator.
Why 4G alone is not always enough for calls
Many people only check whether a phone supports 4G. This is useful, but incomplete. VoLTE is usually required for standard voice calls over the 4G network. The abbreviation stands for “Voice over LTE”.
Without VoLTE, an older 4G phone may try to fall back to 3G or 2G when making a call. If 3G is shut down and no suitable replacement network is available, the following consequences are possible:
- Calls cannot be connected or are dropped.
- Incoming calls do not reliably get through.
- Voice quality is worse than expected.
- Emergency calls may still be possible depending on the network and device, but this must never be assumed without checking.
- Mobile data works while calls fail – a particularly misleading fault pattern.
VoLTE must therefore be supported by the device, the installed software, the SIM and the mobile operator. For example, an imported phone may technically support LTE but not receive VoLTE approval from the Swiss operator.
If you are checking or replacing a mobile plan, the mobile overview provides further information about the Swiss market.
Check these devices now
Devices purchased many years ago and often operating unnoticed in the background are particularly affected.
Older mobile phones and seniors’ phones
For phones mainly used to stay reachable and in emergencies, check the following:
- Does the model support at least 4G/LTE?
- Is VoLTE available and enabled in the settings?
- Can the device make calls with the current SIM card when 4G or LTE is shown on the display?
- Is a current software update available from the manufacturer?
- Has the operator enabled the model for VoLTE?
For seniors’ phones, it is also worth carrying out a genuine everyday test: someone should call the device, the device should call back and a saved contact should be reachable. Do not just check the network icon.
Home emergency call systems, SOS watches and mobile emergency buttons
With emergency call solutions, safety is more important than technical curiosity. Contact the provider of the home emergency call system or SOS watch and ask specifically:
- Which mobile technology does the device use?
- Is the solution fully functional on the network currently being used after the 3G shutdown?
- Is a device replacement, SIM change or update required?
- Has alarm forwarding, including location transmission, been tested?
Only carry out a test according to the service provider’s instructions so that an unnecessary rescue response is not triggered. For devices used by elderly people or people living alone, the check should not be postponed.
Trackers for vehicles, animals and objects
Many trackers send only small amounts of data and were therefore operated with 2G or 3G for a long time. With a 3G device, tracking may fail completely after the shutdown. Check in the customer portal or with the manufacturer whether the model supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, 4G or 5G.
Note that “4G” on a tracker is not automatically a guarantee: the device must support the frequencies used in Switzerland and be authorised on the network of the SIM provider being used.
Alarm systems, lift phones and technical remote monitoring
Alarm transmission is often installed in buildings, holiday apartments, workshops, heating systems or lifts. Such systems often operate unnoticed for years – until a test alarm is no longer transmitted.
Clarify the following with the installer, security company or manufacturer:
- Is a 3G modem installed?
- Does the device transmit voice, data or both?
- Is there a certified 4G/VoLTE upgrade module?
- Does the alarm receiving centre need to be adapted?
- Was a documented functional test carried out after the conversion?
For safety-relevant systems, it is not enough to rely on an occasional status message. A complete test of the alarm chain is necessary.
A concise checklist for today
- Make an inventory of devices: look for old phones, SOS devices, trackers and alarm modules at home, in the vehicle and at work.
- Note the model number: record not only the product name but also the exact variant.
- Check the mobile standard: at least 4G is the basic requirement; for calls, also check VoLTE.
- Contact the operator and manufacturer: ask whether this exact model is compatible with the network being used.
- Carry out a practical test: test calls and alarm or data transmission under real conditions.
- Arrange a replacement in good time: do not replace safety and emergency call devices only after they have failed.
Significance for households and businesses
The shutdown does not simply eliminate an old network standard. It shifts responsibility to devices that are often used for a long time without attention. For a modern smartphone, the changeover is usually unproblematic. For an old emergency call device, alarm system or tracker, however, it may be safety-relevant.
If you are unsure, start with the devices on which people, safety or ongoing operations depend. For a phone without VoLTE or an unconfirmed 3G device, replacement is usually more reliable than waiting. For an overview of operators and offers, you can also use the comparison.
