Use the interactive map to check 3G mobile network coverage at your address. Identify the extent of UMTS mobile coverage in your area.
Before using the map on this page, remember that you can compare affordable mobile subscriptions from different Swiss providers for free and without obligation on internet-offer.
3G Coverage Map – UMTS / HSPA
Tip: Use the desktop version for a better browsing experience.
How to Read This 3G Mobile Coverage Map?
The map shown above allows you to verify the number of operators offering 3G connectivity. The covered areas are shown in an aggregated 100x100 meter grid, with the color scale going up to green (maximum coverage). Areas with no color indicate the absence of 3G-UMTS antennas installed by Swiss mobile network operators.
Note:Â The actual availability will depend on various factors, including environmental conditions, weather, and any obstacles between your location and the antenna.
Who operates the 3G mobile network in Switzerland, and which frequencies were used?
In Switzerland, the 3G network (UMTS/HSPA) has been progressively shut down by the main operators:
The following frequencies were used for the 3G network before shutdown:
900 MHz (Band 8) → Greater coverage, used in rural areas.
2100 MHz (Band 1) → Higher capacity, used in urban areas.
With the shutdown of 3G, these frequencies will be reused for the expansion of newer networks (4G and 5G).
Difference Between UMTS, HSPA, and Other 3G Technologies
Around 20 years ago, the third-generation network debuted on the private market, ushering in the era of mobile internet. Over the years, several technologies have followed. Below are the main 3G technologies:
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System):Â The base technology of 3G, with a maximum speed of up to 384 Kbps.
HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access):Â The first evolution of UMTS, with two variants:
HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) → Speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps in download.
HSUPA (High-Speed Uplink Packet Access) → Speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps in upload.
HSPA+ (Evolved HSPA):Â The last technological advancement of the 3G network, providing improved speeds of up to 42 Mbps in download and 11.5 Mbps in upload.
HSPA and HSPA+ made 3G faster and more stable, but today they have been almost entirely replaced by 4G LTE.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a 3G Mobile Connection?
The following table summarizes the main pros and cons of a 3G connection:
Pros | Cons |
Wide coverage (before shutdown). | Limited speed, up to 42 Mbps with HSPA+. |
Compatibility with older devices. | Higher latency, less suitable for streaming and online gaming. |
Better energy consumption than 4G on certain devices. | Network congestion in areas with few modernized repeaters. |
With technological advancement, the shutdown of the 3G network in favor of 5G was an obvious and necessary choice. 5G will bring faster speeds, better performance, and greater network sustainability, consuming up to 30 times less energy compared to 3G with the same number of antennas.
Compare Mobile Plans Now!
Useful Resources
If you want to explore this topic further, we have prepared some useful guides available in the following list:
Alternatively, browse related posts in our Magazine or explore other interactive maps to learn about all the internet, phone, and TV services in your area.
Source: The map on this page was created by the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM). The original dataset and terms of use can be found at this link on the opendata.swiss website.