As of August 2009 Swisscom offers the cheapest data tariffs in Switzerland and provides the best network coverage with widespread HSPA-availability and nationwide EDGE-support. Swisscom runs GSM at 900 and 1800 MHz and 3G/UMTS at 2100 MHz, while the launch of UMTS 900 is imminent (August 2009).



Natel easy
"Natel Easy" is Swisscom's brand under which prepaid SIMs are sold. There are different tariffs for prepaid SIMs, from which one has to be chosen upon purchase (ask the shop employee explicitly for the desired tariff!):

• Natel easy (discontinued, unattractive data tariffs)
• Natel easy youth (discontinued, unattractive data tariffs)
• Natel easy liberty (unattractive data tariffs)
• Natel easy liberty uno (unlimited data for CHF 5 per day, details see below)
• Natel easy BeFree (unlimited data for CHF 4 per day, details see below)

Natel easy BeFree
Natel easy BeFree will be the cheapest daily data flatrate (CHF 4 per day) for Switzerland since August 17th, 2009. Beyond data, there are also daily flatrates for national calls (CHF 3 per day) and for SMS/MMS (CHF 2 per day). The Natel easy liberty uno SIM card (starter pack) costs CHF 19.90 and includes CHF 20 of initial credit. Existing Natel easy customers with other tariffs can switch to BeFree by texting "EASYBEFREE" to 444.

data tariff
Data will be billed with CHF 4 per day, regardless of how much data volume is generated.

tariff guide
http://www.swisscom.ch/res/mobile/tarife/mm-befree/index.htm



Natel easy liberty uno
The Natel easy liberty uno SIM card (starter pack) costs CHF 19.90 and includes CHF 20 in credit. This tariff is only of interest if you generate less than 4MB of data per day. Otherwise Natel easy BeFree is cheaper.

data tariff
Data tariff is CHF 1 per MB while the maximum cost charged for data is CHF 5 per day.

tariff guide
http://www.swisscom-mobile.ch/scm/prv_natel_easy_liberty_uno-de.aspx



purchase
Natel easy SIMs are sold in Swisscom shops (shop search) throughout Switzerland. Due to Swiss legislation registration with an ID-card or passport is obligatory. Allthough you may encounter shop employees, who refuse it, SIM cards can definitely be registered also for non-residents (neither Swiss nationality nor a Swiss address is required). In case you're being rejected ask the employee to check back with their 2nd level support.



topping up credit
Credit can be topped up...

• at gasstations, kiosks, post offices, electronics retailers and many supermarkets (Coop, Coop Bau & Hobby, Coop Pronto, Interdiscount, Migros, Denner)
• online by credit card (Mastercard, VISA, AmEx)
• in Swisscom shops
• with a Maestro card on ATMs
• with a Swiss "Postcard" at "Postomaten"
• at SBB-ticket vending machines (SBB is the national railroad company; vending machines accept coins, bills, Maestro and credit cards)

To redeem a top up voucher enter *123*(top up code)# into your phone (not necessary if topped up by Maestro or credit card).




USSD service codes

check balance	*130#
top up credit	*123*(top up code)#

validity
SIM cards will be deactivated 12 months after the last action, which was subject to a charge (outgoing call or SMS, data session). Credit will never expire as long as SIM is kept active.



Swisscom stores and partner stores:
http://gis2.begasoft.ch/gis/pages/ch.bgs.googlegis.gwt.GMap/swisscomGIS.jsf?lang=EN&show=shops (map application won't show any shops as of August 2009, meanwhile use Google Maps and search for "Swisscom shop, <your city>", e.g. "Swisscom shop, Zürich")
There is a Swisscom shop in the public area at Zürich airport.



coverage
HSPA coverage even in rural areas, EDGE almost everywhere in Switzerland:
http://www.swisscom-mobile.ch/scm/wir_das_natel_netz-en.aspx



internet experience

• Instant Messaging: ?
• Skype: worked flawlessly as of August 2009
• VoIP: ?
• VPN: ?

settings
Settings: http://www.bless.li/articles/bluetooth-gprs/swisscom-datasheet.pdf

• APN: gprs.swisscom.ch, no username, no password (for 2G and 3G access)