Billag: Soon additional revenues of up to 200 million francs?

According to Bakom's internal projections, the collection agency would receive a total of 150 to 200 million francs per year from the economy. The federal government has thus anticipated a decision in a tough dispute. The economy feels betrayed. Research shows that the proposal is at the co-reporting stage - it has already been submitted to all seven departments for discussion.

The Swiss Trade Association (SGV) has lobbied in Bern for a different distribution formula that affects fewer businesses. The definition of small businesses has been a bone of contention until now. The priority of SMEs was the number of employees. However, his association had never been consulted until now, SGV Director Hans-Ulrich Bigler told the Sonntagszeitung. The federal government was thus disregarding the will of parliament. In fact, the National Council and the Council of States had approved the Billag exemption for smaller companies. With the Bakom criteria however "only straight Kleinstbetriebe with few coworkers" are exempted. According to Bigler, 140,000 companies would be affected. Bakom Director Martin Dumermuth does not want to comment publicly on the current legislative process. But of course calculations are being made. Asked about the additional revenue, Dumermuth also stresses that it is not a matter of increasing Billag's overall revenue: "If more users pay in, the fee can be reduced," he is quoted as saying in the Sunday publication.