Federal Council redefines primary care
From 2018, faster Internet will be part of the basic service. An Internet connection is also available without a telephone connection.
On Friday, the Federal Council redefined the universal service in the telecommunications sector and adopted the corresponding ordinance.
Initially, a price cap was planned for all telephone and Internet connections. This would have amounted to 58.75 francs. However, the Federal Council has now abandoned this after the consultation, as the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) writes. The price cap for a pure telephone connection remains unchanged at 23.45 francs.
A maximum of CHF 45 may be charged for the new connection offer, which only includes access to the Internet. The combined offer will continue to cost a maximum of CHF 55.
IP telephony as standard
The most important innovation is the replacement of analog and digital ISDN lines with a single multifunctional line based on IP technology. Users can either limit themselves to a telephone connection, combine this with Internet access, or opt for a pure Internet connection. The latter is not possible today.
They will also be able to surf the Internet faster. The minimum transmission rate for downloading is now 3000 kilobits per second (kbit/s), and 300 kbit/s for uploading data. Today, the minimum transmission rate is 2000 and 200 kbit/s respectively.
Additional entry free of charge
Furthermore, every household can apply for an additional entry in the directory free of charge. This would allow, for example, married people who have kept their names to be listed under both surnames, writes Bakom. Services for people with disabilities are being expanded. In addition to offers such as the SMS transcription and directory service, a sign language switching service via video telephony is now part of the basic service catalog.
Telephone booths before the end
The universal service, on the other hand, no longer includes data transmission via narrowband, fax connections and the barring of outgoing connections. Also, a public payphone (Publifon) no longer has to be available in every municipality. These services can continue to be offered under market conditions. However, the universal service licensee does not have to provide them, as they are no longer considered essential. There are alternative services that meet the needs of the population, writes Bakom.
The Federal Council approved the revision of the Ordinance on Telecommunications Services on Friday. It is now up to the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) to reallocate the universal service license. Swisscom's current license expires at the end of 2017. (SDA)
