Swisscom customers will be able to make calls on their mobile phone via their home WLAN network from the second half of 2015

Berne, 26-8-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — Switzerland is served by one of the best mobile networks in Europe. 94% of the population can use Swisscom’s fast, cutting-edge 4G/LTE network. For 2G or 3G technology, the figure is over 99%. Swisscom is now seeking to improve the quality of indoor reception yet again. Coverage inside buildings will be improved in the coming weeks as new mobile frequencies are rolled out and LTE is expanded. From the second half of 2015, customers will also be able to make calls on their mobile phone via their home WLAN network. The new technology is called WLAN interworking.

Mobile reception is often limited in homes that are well insulated or have modern concrete walls. Over the next few weeks, customers will experience an improvement in reception as the network is expanded to include the newly available UMTS and LTE frequencies. In addition, Swisscom is using a new technology to greatly enhance reception quality inside buildings. WLAN interworking lets customers telephone at home on their WLAN network. Calls are made on their normal mobile phone number so they do not need to open a separate app. They can also be reached at any time on their mobile number via their WLAN network. The new technology will be expanded by Swisscom over the coming months, tested rigorously and is due to go live in the second half of 2015.

Mobiles automatically choose the best network
Currently mobile phones are programmed to automatically search for the best reception and join the 2G, 3G or 4G/LTE network. WLAN interworking lets a mobile phone also use the WLAN network, which routes calls onto the mobile phone network. Calls are not interrupted by the switch between networks. If reception at home on the WLAN is better than on the mobile network, the mobile phone selects WLAN. Customers benefit from a significantly improved mobile phone reception when using their phone indoors. Swisscom customers can use this service in Switzerland at no extra charge. Calls are charged at the same rate as standard calls on the mobile network and are included for the two million customers using Natel Infinity. The first smartphones supporting the new technology will be launched over the coming months.

Contact
Swisscom AG
Media Relations
3050 Bern

media@swisscom.com