Nationwide high-speed internet for Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Council has launched a decisive initiative to provide very fast internet throughout the country. As part of its gigabit strategy, a funding programme is being proposed to support the expansion of the broadband network in rural and remote areas.
In a significant step towards promoting digital infrastructure in Switzerland, the Federal Council has launched the Gigabit Strategy. This strategy aims to provide access to high-speed internet to all regions of the country, particularly the less developed areas. DETEC has been tasked with drawing up a consultation draft on this topic, which aims to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
The Confederation’s gigabit strategy
This strategy focuses on a nationwide supply of internet speeds of at least 1 gigabit per second, which significantly exceeds the current basic supply. The majority of the necessary investments will be borne by the market, but the federal government is planning to create incentives for expansion in less profitable areas through a funding programme.
Temporary funding programme
The seven-year funding programme is designed to support broadband expansion only in areas where demand exists and expansion is not economically viable. It is intended to supplement private investment without replacing it and to promote the expansion of fibre optic networks and modern wireless technologies in sparsely populated areas.
Mixed financing
With an estimated financial requirement of up to CHF 750 million for the deployment of modern wireless technologies in remote areas, the Federal Council plans to structure the programme in line with demand. Funding is to come primarily from the proceeds of future mobile radio frequency licences as well as contributions from the industry and the cantons.
DETEC has been tasked with submitting a consultation draft by the end of 2024. This step follows the postulate “Federal high-bandwidth strategy” from the National Council’s Transport and Telecommunications Committee and builds on the Federal Council’s report of June 2023.