Publishers' association wants rapid postal liberalization

 The Swiss Press Association has responded to the consultation on the revised Postal Act. In its response, it welcomes the "gradual and at the same time fastest possible" complete opening of the market, as stated in a press release. According to the publishers, Switzerland should align itself with the pace of the EU as far as possible and abolish the letter monopoly on January 1, 2011. The aim is to create fair conditions for genuine competition. The association believes that additional regulations, such as those provided for in the draft law, should be avoided. They would contradict the idea of liberalization. On the other hand, it is of the utmost importance that Swiss Post is subject to a clear transparency requirement and a ban on cross-subsidization after liberalization, the publishers continue. An independent regulatory authority "PostCom" should be able to check this. Furthermore, Swiss Post and third-party providers should be treated equally in future with regard to special privileges such as taxes, night-time driving bans and customs clearance. Swiss Post's infrastructure must be made available to all providers at market conditions in return for compensation.
The Publishers Association also supports the Confederation's intention to continue indirect press subsidies for regional and local newspapers and magazines with circulations of up to 40,000 copies even after market liberalization.