Switching Internet Providers: What You Need to Know About Internet and TV
Switching your TV and internet provider can be worthwhile: you could save money every month, get faster speeds, or benefit from a better TV package.
At the same time, you should plan the switch carefully. The contract term, notice period, and availability at your address are just as important as knowing which devices you need to return. Activation, installation, or additional TV service fees can also affect the actual price of an offer. So when planning to switch providers, don’t look only at the advertised monthly price.
Before placing an order, check which technology is available at your address, when your current contract ends, and which services you actually need. This will help you prepare for the switch without incurring unnecessary costs or risking an interruption to your internet access.
When Is It Worth Switching Internet and TV Providers?
Switching is particularly worthwhile if your current subscription has become significantly more expensive or you can get more for your money. A faster fibre-optic connection can also be a good reason to switch. For TV, additional channels, replay features, or a better TV box can make the difference. Another benefit may be a bundle combining internet, TV, and mobile services.
Before switching your internet and TV provider, however, you should compare the total costs and contract terms. A low introductory price may apply only during a promotion. A high activation fee or a long minimum contract term can also reduce the benefit of switching. An independent comparison can show you which offers are currently suitable for your address and needs, and which provide the best value for money.
What Should You Consider When Switching to a New Internet and TV Subscription?
If you want to know what to consider when switching internet providers, you should check five main points: availability, speed, TV services, hardware, and total costs. You should also plan for the notice period and whether you can transfer your phone number.
Availability at Your Address: Fibre, Cable, or DSL
The internet technology available to you depends on your address. Fibre is already available in many areas, while cable or DSL may be the right solution elsewhere. The maximum possible speed also varies depending on the connection.
So check availability before ordering a new offer. If you’re switching to fibre in particular, make sure your building is already connected. With DSL, the available performance may depend on the distance to the local exchange. Checking availability prevents you from choosing a subscription that cannot be provided at your address.
Speed: Download, Upload, and Ping
Depending on how they use the internet, 100–300 Mbps is often enough for a typical household. If several people stream at the same time, work from home, transfer large files, or play games online, a higher speed may be useful. Download speed isn’t the only factor that matters.
Upload speed is also important, for example for video calls, cloud backups, or sending large files. A low ping is also important for online gaming. So don’t compare only the maximum performance; consider what speed you actually need.
TV Package: Channels, Replay, and Recordings
You should also take a close look at your TV package when switching. Check which channels are included and whether you can watch them in HD. Features such as replay, time-shifted viewing, and recording may also be included in the package.
One important point: recordings saved on your current provider’s TV box usually cannot be transferred to your new provider. If there are programmes you want to keep, watch them before switching. Add-on packages for sports, films, or international channels can also increase the total price. They are not included with every provider.
Router, TV Box, and Installation
When you switch, you’ll usually receive a new router and, with a TV subscription, a new TV box as well. Check whether you can install the equipment yourself or whether a technician is required. Self-installation is usually easier and can help you avoid extra costs.
You will often need to return your old hardware after switching. Depending on the offer, this may include the router, TV box, and other accessories. Meet the return deadline and keep proof of postage. This helps you avoid possible fees for equipment that has not been returned.
Keeping Your Landline Number
If you want to keep your existing landline number, you can often transfer it to your new provider. Make sure you request number porting when you place your order. Also check whether the new plan includes the telephone service you want. When switching both internet and landline service, coordinate the activation and cancellation dates.
Total Costs Instead of Promotional Prices: Affordable Internet and Phone Service
The advertised price does not always show what you will pay in the long term. Take activation fees, installation costs, and additional TV packages into account. A promotional price may also increase significantly after 12 months.
| Cost item | What to check |
| Activation | One-off fee for activating the connection |
| Monthly price | Standard price after the promotion ends |
| Router | Whether it must be purchased or rented, or is included free of charge |
| TV | Additional costs for channel or premium packages |
| Installation | Technician or setup costs |
Can You Switch Internet Providers While You’re Still Under Contract?
You may be wondering, “Can I switch internet providers while I’m still under contract?” A switch is generally possible, but additional costs may arise depending on your existing contract. Key factors include the minimum contract term, notice period, and conditions for early cancellation.
Minimum Contract Term and Notice Period
Internet contracts in Switzerland can have different terms. Some offers have a minimum contract term of 12 or 24 months, while others can be cancelled without a long-term commitment. Notice periods also vary by provider.
So check your contract documents and keep a written record of your cancellation. If you miss the deadline, your contract may be extended or your switch may be delayed. Plans without a minimum contract term usually offer more flexibility. Nevertheless, pay attention to the applicable notice period.
Cancelling Early: What Costs Can Arise?
If you switch before the minimum contract term ends, your current provider may charge a fee. Depending on the contract, this could include the remaining monthly fees or a specified early termination fee. Before cancelling early, calculate whether switching is worthwhile despite these costs.
In some circumstances, a new low-cost offer may still work out cheaper once the additional costs are taken into account. Compare the expected total cost with your new internet provider against the costs of ending your current contract early.
Switching Bonus: When the New Provider Covers the Costs
Some providers advertise switching bonuses or cover part of the cost of your existing contract under certain conditions. These offers can make switching more attractive. However, the terms change regularly. Check whether such a discount is currently available, who qualifies, and what evidence is required.
Switching Internet Providers in Switzerland: Step by Step
You can prepare for a well-planned switch in a few steps:
- Check your current contract: Review the minimum contract term, notice period, current price, and included services.
- Check availability: Make sure the connection you want is available at your address. In particular, check fibre, cable, or DSL availability.
- Compare offers: Compare prices, speeds, TV services, telephone services, and additional costs. An independent internet comparison on alao.ch can help.
- Order the new offer: Choose the plan you want and specify a suitable activation date. If you want to keep your phone number, request this when placing the order.
- Cancel the old contract: Check whether you need to cancel yourself or whether the new provider will organise the switch. Ask for confirmation of the cancellation.
- Return the old equipment: Return the router, TV box, and any other accessories by the deadline.
Plan the switch so that the new connection is activated before the old one is disconnected, if possible. That way, you won’t have to go without internet or Wi-Fi.
Switching Without an Interruption: How to Avoid Internet Downtime
A switch can usually be planned so that you are not left without internet access. The key is to coordinate the activation date for the new connection with the end of your current contract. If you’re moving house or the technology is being changed, it may be sensible to allow a short buffer.
If you’re switching to a new technology such as fibre, also check well in advance whether installation work is required. As a backup, you can use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot. This gives you temporary internet access if activation is delayed.
Switching Internet Providers for Businesses: What SMEs Should Consider
Businesses need to plan a switch particularly carefully, as even short outages can disrupt day-to-day operations. Reliability and performance therefore matter just as much as price. Check whether you need a static IP address and which support services are included in the business plan.
For example, a service-level agreement (SLA) may specify response times for faults. Direct business support may also be important for companies. If telephone services run over the internet connection, the business phone number must also be taken into account during the switch.
If you have multiple sites or connections, having a single point of contact can make contracts and costs easier to manage. The technical changeover should also be scheduled outside important working hours. You can find more information about business solutions on alao.ch’s business page.
Common Mistakes When Switching Providers
A few common mistakes can be avoided with some preparation:
- Missing the cancellation deadline: Check in good time how long your minimum contract term lasts and when your current contract can be cancelled.
- Comparing only the promotional price: Include the standard price after the promotional period in your price comparison.
- Failing to return equipment: Routers and TV boxes often have to be returned within a specified period.
- Forgetting to transfer your phone number: If you want to keep your landline number, request number porting when you place the order.
- Not checking availability: Before signing up, make sure the connection you want is available at your address.
- Overlooking TV services: Check channels, replay, recordings, and add-on packages before switching.
Compare Internet and TV Subscriptions and Switch Easily
Want to switch providers without having to search numerous websites yourself? On alao.ch, you can compare internet and TV offers from Swiss providers independently and free of charge. Different speeds, prices, and services are displayed side by side, making it relatively easy to find the right offer.
If you want to switch internet providers, it’s worth checking current promotions and contract terms. Personal advice is also available if you have questions.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Switching Internet Providers in Switzerland
The duration depends on the provider, connection, and desired activation date. For example, if no technical installation is required for a DSL connection, the switch may be relatively straightforward to arrange. A new fibre connection may require more lead time.
That depends on the specific switching process. In some cases, the new provider handles the cancellation; in others, you must cancel it yourself. Check which arrangement applies to your offer before placing the order.
Yes, transferring your number is usually technically possible. The important thing is to request number porting when you sign up for the new offer and provide the required information correctly.
In many cases, yes. If the devices are loaned to you, you must return the router, TV box, and any other accessories after switching. Meet the specified deadline to avoid additional costs.
With good planning, an interruption can usually be avoided. Coordinate the activation date for the new connection with the end of your existing contract. In an emergency, a mobile hotspot can help you stay connected during the transition.
Recordings stored on your current provider’s TV box or TV system usually cannot be transferred to the new provider. They are therefore generally lost when you switch. Before cancelling, check whether you have any important recordings you still want to watch.
