Thats not really correct.. its irrelevant if you "consume" one of the services or not.. it only matters if you're capable of "consuming".. owning a smartphone/radio/computer/tv/etc. is already enough of a reason to pay. Whether you actually turn them on or keep them switched off all day long I think doesnt matter to them.

I have always had to get in touch with them myself and tell them I'd moved / deregister former flatmates etc. Not automatic in my experience.

Nope. You're correct about radio but not about tv. Check out their conditions, see "what is classified as receiving device?".

Just had to cancel Billag, found it an easy two-step procedure online:

1) first, I registered online (will need to have your customer number handy, can be found on any Billag invoice next to date and invoice number)

2) as soon as the registration was activated, I submitted their online cancellation form (see 'deregistration' icon on main page of customer account)

Regarding refunds, the form included a field for banking details (IBAN): any refunds due will be, according to Billag, sent directly to this bank account

Regarding date of termination, through online cancellation the earliest possible is end of the current month. Retroactive cancellation is also possible but my understanding is that it requires a cancellation letter and a document by local authorities that certifies date of leaving.

Thought I would post in case helpful to someone else in a similar situation. By the way, Billag said they will send a written confirmation in response to the online cancellation, will be looking out for it in the mail!

Thanks, Chewbacca! That worked perfectly!

Regardless whether you register or not, Billag will eventually find you and hunt you down if necessary.


My colleague just got billed retroactively in the amount of 2000 chf for past 4 years. He thought he was clever by dodging them but decided to pay them now before the situation is becoming a cluster****.

Ouch! How did that happen?

He just didn't pay the first 4 years he was here.

And when they knocked on his door, he said "haha - I've not paid for 4 years, suckers!!!!" or what?

I'm not really sure how it went exactly as I wasn't there.

Hi! Did you send a copy of your deregistration letter (from gemeinde) to Billag? (I also deregistered online)

Thanks.

As stated before in this thread, you do not have to do that. It is as simple as filling out the online deregistration form. Believe it or not.