Launch of the award of mobile radio frequencies becoming available in 2029
Bern, 01.09.2026 — The Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) is launching the invitation to tender for a significant proportion of the mobile radio frequencies currently in use, which will become available and be awarded as of 1 January 2029. The primary objectives of the award are to maintain and further develop the three high-quality mobile communications networks and to foster competition in the mobile communications market. The award is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027 by means of an auction.
Today's mobile network coverage relies to a large extent on the frequencies that will become available at the end of 2028 following the expiry of the current licences. These frequencies – in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz bands – are of great importance for operating mobile communications networks. As these frequencies are a scarce public resource, ComCom launched a transparent procedure that is open to all on 1 September 2026 for the next award. Current mobile network operators and other interested companies may participate on equal terms.
Objectives of the award
Through the award of the new licences, ComCom aims to ensure that the Swiss public and business community continue to be provided with high-quality mobile communications services. ComCom's objectives also include the efficient assignment and use of the frequency spectrum, and the maintenance and fostering of existing competition between mobile network operators for the benefit of consumers. In addition, under telecommunications legislation, appropriate auction revenue must be generated for the scarce frequencies.
Award procedure by auction
The frequencies will be awarded by auction. ComCom successfully used the internationally proven, two-stage auction procedure already in the last auction in 2019.
The first stage involves a multi-round auction in which the available frequencies are allocated to the bidders. In the second stage – a single round of sealed bids – the assignment of frequencies within the frequency bands is determined. The multi-round auction takes place only if demand from bidders exceeds the supply of frequencies.
Bidding restrictions ensure that individual bidders cannot acquire an excessive number of frequencies, which could undermine the current level of competition.
Invitation to tender and licences
The invitation to tender was launched with its publication in the Federal Gazette on 1 September 2026. Any interested companies wishing to provide mobile communications services in Switzerland using their own infrastructure may apply to take part in the award procedure by 3 December 2026. The auction is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027.
The licences will be awarded on a technology-neutral basis. Network operators are therefore free to choose which mobile communications technologies to use (e.g. 4G, 5G), provided they comply with the terms of use. The licences will be valid for a period of 15 years from 1 January 2029. This guarantees long-term planning certainty for operators without unduly delaying market access for new entrants.
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Links
Tender documents on the OFCOM website
Publication in the Federal Gazette of 1 September 2026 (German, French and Italian)