Switching your mobile phone plan – Your simple guide to your new plan
Changing your mobile phone subscription can be a smart decision to save costs, get better services or simply be more flexible. But what do you need to look out for? In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about switching subscriptions and how you can order the best tariff on alao.ch.
Why should you change your mobile phone subscription?
There are many good reasons to switch your current mobile phone subscription:
| Benefit | Why is it good? |
|---|---|
| Cost savings | A new mobile phone subscription often comes with cheaper and better conditions. |
| Better network coverage | If you have poor reception quality with your current provider. Check the network coverage in your region in advance with the alao network coverage map. |
| More data volume or additional services | Newer subscriptions often offer better inclusive services. |
| More flexibility | Some providers have cancellable or monthly adjustable subscriptions. |
Finding the best time to switch your mobile plan
When is the best time to switch your mobile plan? The most important factors are the contract end date, notice period, potential switching costs, and current promotions. Planning your switch carefully can help you avoid unnecessary double payments while potentially securing a more affordable plan.
Pay particular attention to the following points:
- Check the minimum contract duration: Find out when your current contract ends. Depending on the terms, switching early may result in additional costs.
- Consider the notice period: Plan your switch before the cancellation deadline. This helps prevent your existing plan from continuing unnecessarily.
- Check what happens when your plan expires: Find out what happens after the minimum contract period ends and which cancellation terms apply afterwards.
- Compare promotions and discounts: Switching can be particularly attractive when other providers offer new-customer discounts, reduced monthly prices, or discounted activation fees.
- Calculate switching costs: In addition to the monthly price of your new plan, consider any activation, cancellation, or remaining contract costs associated with your existing plan.
When is switching your mobile plan particularly worthwhile?
The ideal time is often around the end of your minimum contract period, when you can switch without unnecessary additional costs. However, it can also be worthwhile to start looking for alternatives earlier. This gives you enough time to compare offers and prepare the switch according to your notice period.
Don’t just compare the regular price—also consider current promotions and the services included in the new plan. With alao, you can compare different mobile plans and find out which offer best suits your needs at your preferred switching date.
Step-by-step guide to changing your mobile phone subscription with alao
1. Analyse your current usage behaviour
Before you switch, you should analyse your personal usage behaviour:
- How much data volume do you need per month?
- Do you make a lot of calls or do you mainly use the Internet on your mobile phone subscription?
- Do you write (many) text messages?
- Do you need roaming or special additional services for telephony or Internet abroad? If so, for which countries? Europe or also the USA or other parts of the world?
2. Compare different mobile phone providers and tariffs
Use comparison platforms such as alao.ch to compare the best mobile phone plans. At alao.ch you can also take out your new subscription in just a few minutes. Simple and paperless.
When choosing a new mobile phone subscription, pay attention to:
- Price-performance ratio
- Data volume and speed
- Roaming conditions
- Cancellation periods and contract terms
3. Choosing the right subscription – how to find the best offer when switching mobile phone subscriptions
Pay attention to the following points:
- Whether the provider has the best network in your region (the alao network coverage map will help you)
- Which inclusive services are included (e.g. Spotify, Netflix, cloud storage)
- Whether there are activation costs or discounts for new customers
4. Cancellation of the existing contract
As soon as you have decided on a new subscription, cancel your current subscription in good time. Depending on the provider, there are various ways to do this:
- Online form in the customer portal
- Written cancellation by email or post
- Customer service by phone
5. Application for number portability
If you would like to keep your number, apply for number porting with the new provider.
- Note: A small fee may be charged.
- Duration: Usually 1-3 working days
It is important that you take care of the number porting before cancelling your contract.
6. Conclusion of the new contract
Once you have cancelled, you can take out the new subscription. If you are switching from prepaid to a subscription, please note the following:
- Your phone number will be switched to the new subscription
- You may have to carry out an identity check (this is very easy to do online with alao)
- You will receive a new SIM card or can activate an eSIM
Switching mobile plans and keeping your number: How it works
When you switch your mobile plan, you don’t have to give up your existing phone number. In Switzerland, you can generally transfer your number to your new mobile provider. It is important to request number porting when signing up for the new plan and to coordinate the switch correctly.
Here’s how it works step by step:
- Choose a new mobile plan: Compare plans and select one that suits your needs in terms of price, data allowance, network, and roaming.
- Select “Keep my number”: When signing up for the new plan, indicate that you want to transfer your existing phone number.
- Check your personal details: The information provided for the number transfer should match the details associated with your current plan.
- Check the notice period: Find out when your current contract ends and which cancellation terms apply. This can help you avoid unnecessary additional costs.
- Wait for the number transfer: The switch and transfer of your existing number will be coordinated. You will receive your new SIM card or eSIM in time for activation.
- Activate your new plan: Once the switch is complete, you can use your new mobile plan with your existing phone number.
Do I need to cancel my old mobile plan myself?
Before cancelling your existing plan yourself, you should check how the number porting process is handled by your new provider. Cancelling too early can make the switch unnecessarily complicated.
When you sign up for your new mobile plan through alao, you can indicate during the ordering process that you want to keep your number. alao supports you in coordinating the switch to your new provider while taking the notice period of your existing contract into account.
What is the easiest way to switch mobile plans?
The easiest way to switch mobile plans is to coordinate the comparison, cancellation, number transfer, and activation process from the start. This helps you avoid overlapping contracts, missed cancellation deadlines, or problems when transferring your existing phone number.
The switching process can be broken down into four steps:
- Compare mobile plans: Find an offer that suits your needs in terms of price, data allowance, network coverage, and roaming.
- Cancel your old plan: Check the minimum contract duration and notice period, and coordinate the end of your current contract with the switch.
- Keep your phone number: When signing up for the new plan, indicate that you want to keep your existing phone number.
- Activate your new plan: Once the switch is complete, activate your new SIM or eSIM and use your new plan with your existing number.
With alao, you can compare different mobile plans and sign up for your new plan directly online. This makes it easier to coordinate the individual steps involved in switching providers.
If you want to keep your existing phone number, you can find detailed instructions on number porting in our guide “How can I keep my phone number when switching providers?”
Which providers are there in Switzerland?
The most important providers of mobile phone subscriptions in Switzerland are:
Which criteria are particularly important when switching to a new mobile phone subscription?
- Network coverage in your region (check with alaos network coverage map)
- Monthly costs and contract commitment
- Additional services and inclusive options
- Cancellation conditions and terms
Common mistakes when switching subscriptions and how to avoid them
- Cancelling too late: Don’t miss the cancellation deadline, otherwise your contract will be automatically extended.
- Not comparing enough: Some tariffs seem cheap but have hidden costs.
- Underestimate your data volume: Choose a subscription that suits your surfing behaviour.
- Forget to transfer your phone number: If you want to keep your number, apply to port it in good time.
Conclusion
Changing your mobile phone subscription is easier than you think. With the right planning, you can save costs and find the best tariff for your needs. Use comparison platforms like alao to find the best provider and make the switch stress-free. On alao, you can switch your provider in just 3 clicks. And if you have any questions, you can contact customer service free of charge by chat or phone.
FAQs
You should check your cancellation period and your minimum contract term, compare providers and apply to port your phone number in good time.
You can book a new subscription tariff directly. Your existing number can often be transferred.
Yes, most providers allow you to keep your phone number. Depending on the provider, a small fee may be charged.
Possible costs include connection fees, porting fees or a balance payment for an existing contract. The exact costs incurred are individual.
That depends on your usage behaviour. Swisscom has the best network in Switzerland. However, Wingo and M-Budget also use the Swisscom network and offer options at more favourable prices. Wingo, Salt and Yallo are known for their favourable tariffs.
That depends on the minimum contract term. However, many providers now also offer flexible options without a minimum term.
Check the network coverage, duration, costs and additional services of your new provider.
Yes, many providers offer discounts, free additional services or reduced connection fees.
As soon as your new contract is active, your old subscription will be cancelled. If you don’t cancel, it could continue to run. However, if you have two subscriptions at the same time, you will also have two phone numbers.
