Comparing operator offers: a real headache?

Choosing a mobile or internet plan should be simple. Yet as soon as you start comparing the various offers on the market, you quickly face a multitude of conditions, exceptions and wordings that are sometimes hard to interpret.

At first glance, two plans can look identical. But if you take the time to read the general terms and conditions or the footnotes, you often discover that the services included are in fact very different.

Words matter

Let’s take a very common example.

You see an offer announcing:

“Unlimited calls in the Europe zone”

Many people naturally understand this to mean they will be able to call European countries freely from Switzerland.

Yet in many cases, this wording simply means that calls made while you are physically located in a European country are included towards the destinations covered by the offer.

Calls from Switzerland to European numbers, on the other hand, may be charged extra or require the purchase of a specific option.

The difference is subtle… but it can have a significant impact on your bill.

Other examples that cause confusion

Here are a few wordings you come across regularly:

• Unlimited internet… but with a significant speed reduction after a certain data volume.
• Roaming included… only in certain countries or with a limited volume.
• 5G included… but only on certain plans.
• TV with more than 300 channels… some of which require an additional subscription.
• No commitment… but with termination fees on certain add-on services.
• Promotional price… valid only for a few months before an automatic increase.

None of these wordings is necessarily misleading if the conditions are clearly stated. They do show, however, that it is essential to read the details before comparing two offers.

Price isn’t everything

Comparing only the amount displayed in an advert can lead to unpleasant surprises.

To compare two plans in a meaningful way, it is important to check in particular:

• the calls actually included;
• the destinations concerned;
• the data volumes in Switzerland and abroad;
• any speed limitations;
• the mandatory options;
• the activation fees;
• the termination fees;
• the commitment period;
• the price increases planned after a promotional period.

In the end, an offer that seems cheaper can sometimes cost more once all the necessary options are added.

At MaxiConnect, we make a different choice

Since MaxiConnect was founded, we have chosen to prioritise simplicity and transparency.

We believe a customer should be able to easily understand what they are buying, without having to analyse dozens of pages of general terms and conditions.

When we announce a service, we make sure its content is clear and understandable.

Our goal is simple:

• offer plans that are easy to read;
• avoid ambiguous wordings;
• limit unpleasant surprises on bills;
• allow everyone to compare our plans easily.

Because in our view, trust starts with clear communication.

Always take the time to compare

Before choosing an operator, we advise you not to stop at the displayed price alone.

Take a few minutes to check what is really included in the plan, any restrictions, and the options that could become necessary depending on how you use it.

A plan that fits your needs perfectly is often the one whose workings you understand immediately.

At MaxiConnect, we are convinced that a telecom offer should be simple, transparent and free of unpleasant surprises. That philosophy has guided every one of our offers since day one.