Hi, just about to move to switzerland to start work and wondering who is the best mobile phone carrier to use? Is there much difference between service standards and prices? Do most companies offer a 12 month/ 2 year contract? I have an unlocked mobile phone and just want to try and get the best deal possible. Any help would be much appreciated.

There are differences on all aspects. Best to go to the respective websites and compare I guess. The three networks are Swisscom, Orange and Sunrise. Then there's a few companies who run off one of these networks and provides their own subscriptions... Migros M-Mobile is one and there seem to be quite a few more.

Personally I have Swisscom. Not the cheapest apparently, but is supposed to be the best in terms of coverage (however they are all very good) and more importantly if you're into data, better data coverage (3G, GRPS, HSPA, etc.).

Sunrise used to be known as the cheapest, but with the amount of competition in the market, I guess that the prices are not too disimilar. Contracts typically run for either 12 months or 24. The longer contracts will entitle you to a cheaper mobile phone. However you having your own, may not make much difference (unless you're wanting an upgrade!).

Good luck working in Switzerland!

Has anyone ever tried YALLO? they seem to have a decent tarrif, but I have never heard of them.

We have both Yallo prepaid. 5 rappen per minute to phone anyone else with Yallo, and 10 rappen for an sms to any mobile phone (including international sms's). We don't use data services, but are very happy with Yallo. You can sometimes buy the prepaid card for 1 CHF and get 5 CHF credit.

Swisscom is the best in terms of coverage, speeds and handset choice, but also the most expensive. 20 rappen for an SMS soon adds up.

I have Orange. Seems good to me

Try Lebara if you need to make lots of long distance calls.

Thanks for all the advice!

if you are looking for the cheapest mobile service provider with calls to all of europe (including UK and Ireland) then try M Budget. Their call rates are a flat 28 rappens/minute irrespective of which location in europe you call. The sms charges are 10 rappen/sms.

Roaming is also pretty decent. In case you travel within the EU, incoming is 40 rp/min, outgoing is 85 rp/min and sms is 70 rp.

However if you want to go on a contract basis, I hear that Orange is pretty decent. I will be taking an Orange 12 month contract soon.

don't you just love these posts?

-which is the best mobile service provider?
-which is the best car?
-which is the best place to live in Zurich? ...

wish life was so simple, eh? if there indeed was a simple answer to all these questions, what would we have left to discuss?

to the OP - if there was one best provider, we would all be using it and all the others would go out of business, wouldn't they.

sorry to hijack, but I couldn't really help it.

and if you really must know... the answer is Orange.