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Mobile Antennas in Switzerland: Map, ORNI Law, and Number

Writer's picture: internet-offer.chinternet-offer.ch

Use the interactive map to view the locations of mobile transmission towers for phone signals in Switzerland.


Before using the map on this page, remember that you can compare Swiss mobile plans from different providers for free and without obligation on internet-offer.



Mobile Antennas Map



Tip: Use the desktop version for a better browsing experience.


How to Use This Map of Mobile Antennas in Switzerland?

The map above allows you to see the exact locations of all mobile phone antennas installed and managed by Swiss mobile network operators. You can enter your address to view the number of antennas in your area, represented as purple dots, and select a single antenna to get more details. The available details include:

  • Station name (including the name of the operator that owns the antenna)

  • Antenna type

  • Coordinates

  • Supported technologies

  • Power class (Watts)

  • Possible site limit value (V/m)


Components of a Mobile Antenna

The image was created using DALL-E on ChatGPT.


Here is a description of the main components of a mobile antenna:

  • Antenna array: A group of radiating elements that transmit and receive signals. In 5G networks, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology is used to enhance capacity.

  • Radome: A protective cover that shields antennas from weather conditions.

  • Dipoles or radiating elements: Physical structures that emit and receive electromagnetic signals.

  • Signal amplifiers (RRU - Remote Radio Unit): Increase signal strength and reduce losses.

  • RF cables or fiber optics: Connect the antenna to the BBU (Baseband Unit) for data transmission.

  • Baseband Unit (BBU): Manages the signal and links it to the operator’s core network.

  • Mast or support structure: Holds the antenna and positions it optimally for coverage.

In 5G, antennas also use beamforming to improve signal direction and enhance performance.


Who Manages Mobile Antennas in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, mobile antennas are primarily managed by the three major network operators:

  • Swisscom: Owns and operates the country's largest mobile network.

  • Sunrise: The second-largest operator, with its own network of antennas.

  • Salt: Operates its own mobile network with expanding coverage.

Additionally, some infrastructures may be shared or managed by specialized companies and virtual operators (Swiss MVNOs) that use the networks of the three main providers. The OFCOM (Swiss Federal Office of Communications) oversees the regulation of antennas and radio frequencies, applying the latest ORNI law (September 2023).


The ORNI Law Explained: Ordinance on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

The ORNI (Ordinance on Protection Against Non-Ionizing Radiation) is a Swiss law that regulates the use of mobile antennas to protect the population from electromagnetic waves.

Key points of the ORNI law:

✅ Emission limits: Sets maximum thresholds for antenna radiation, stricter than international standards.✅ Public protection: Imposes stricter rules near schools, hospitals, and residential areas.✅ Control and authorization: Every new antenna must be approved and verified to comply with regulations.✅ Constant monitoring: Authorities regularly check that emissions remain within permitted limits.

Goal: To ensure an efficient mobile network while minimizing health risks.


How Many Mobile Antennas Are There in Switzerland?

Switzerland has several thousand mobile antennas distributed across the country. They are more densely located in urban areas to prevent network congestion and enhance mobile browsing performance.However, the exact number cannot be provided as it changes over time due to new antenna installations or the decommissioning of obsolete ones (e.g., 2G and 3G).


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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.



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