My Sunrise

    • Sunrise is switching off its 3G network by mid-2025

    Sunrise is due to stop operating its outdated 3G mobile technology by mid-2025. The 3rd generation of mobile communications (UMTS, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) was introduced to the Sunrise network around 20 years ago and so it’s now inefficient compared to 4G and 5G in terms of both the radio spectrums it uses and it’s energy requirements.

    Switching off 3G will free up more capacity for 4G and 5G. This means Sunrise customers will benefit from an even faster mobile network from mid-2025.

    NOT AVAILABLE

    What does it mean for me?

    • If you are still using an older mobile phone with an older SIM card, you will be informed by us and must replace it in the coming year 2025.

    • If you are using an older 3G USB Internet stick, you must replace it with a USB Internet stick that supports at least 4G. Tip: many notebooks and laptops already have an integrated 4G mobile module.

    • If an alarm system with 3G backup is installed in your building or your elevator uses an emergency call function with 3G backup, these must be updated so that they support at least the 4G mobile network standard.

    • For voice calls, your device/phone must support VoLTE (Voice over LTE). This is the case with the vast majority of newer devices. Otherwise, replacement is mandatory by mid-2025. You can find more information on VoLTE in the questions and answers below.

    • If your device/phone supports at least 4G and VoLTE, you will not be affected by the switch-off and you will automatically benefit from an even faster mobile network from mid-2025.

    If you are not sure whether your device/phone is affected, do not hesitate to visit a Sunrise shop. We will also keep affected customers (private individuals and companies) informed on an ongoing basis.

    Sunrise network coverage

    4G coverage is more extensive than 3G now – both outdoors and indoors. Sunrise already provides more than 1,200 towns and cities with high-speed 5G (up to 2 Gbit/s) and over 98.7% of the population with basic 5G (up to 1 Gbit/s). Here you find a map showing the current coverage with a location- and address-search function as well as a list of the towns and cities.

    Questions and answers

    The continuous growth of mobile Internet-data traffic combined with ever-increasing demands for larger data volumes and decreasing latencies is the main reason why mobile operators are using modern mobile-communications standards such as 4G – and 5G in particular. Compared to the latest technologies, 3G is relatively inefficient and uses a lot more resources, such as bandwidth and electric power, per data unit transmitted.

    Any devices/phones that do not support 4G. In addition, any devices that are used for voice calls and support 4G but not VoLTE.

    VoLTE is the standard for voice calls via the 4G network. Virtually all phones made in 2018 or more recently – and some older devices as well – are VoLTE-capable.

    Some devices are 4G-capable, but don’t support VoLTE. VoLTE is active on your device if the 4G/5G icon still appears at the top of your screen when you’re making a call. For more information, please refer to the VoLTE support page or visit a Sunrise shop.

    • Voice calls via 3G (including emergency calls)

      The mobile-voice-calls service (including emergency calls) will continue to operate via 4G (VoLTE)

    • Data transmission via 3G

      Data will continue to be transmitted via 4G/5G

    • SMS via 3G

      SMS services will continue to operate via 4G. For this to work, the device needs to be VoLTE-capable (exception: 4G is sufficient for devices that just have a data subscription, because it doesn’t require VoLTE)

    • Circuit-switched data transmission (CSD)

      This service with a very low data-transmission rate will no longer be available. Sunrise recommends switching to modern IP-based technologies.

    No, the 3G network will be switched off right across Switzerland. 

    You’ll need to switch to 4G-capable devices (including VoLTE if you need to make voice calls).

    Yes, you can keep your phone number, and you’ll also retain your credit if you’re a prepaid customer. 

    We recommend switching to future-oriented technologies such as 4G and 5G as it will ensure you’ll be well-prepared for the future.

    Some customers are still using a SIM card that won’t allow them to access the 4G/5G network. We’ll notify them directly.