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End of 3G in Switzerland: what it really means for you

On 7 April 2026, Swisscom permanently shuts down its 3G network. At MaxiConnect, the transition already happened in early March. Here is what it means in practice – and why VoLTE is now essential.

7 April 2026 marks an important milestone in Swiss telecommunications: Swisscom is permanently shutting down its 3G network.

But in reality, for some users… this change has already happened.

At MaxiConnect, we explain clearly what this means — and above all, why VoLTE is now essential.

A transition already underway at MaxiConnect

Contrary to what one might think, the end of 3G did not begin on 7 April.

In early March 2026, a key step had already been taken:

Swisscom ended 3G support for MaxiConnect connections on its network (removal of the 3G interconnection).

In practice:

  • 3G was already no longer available for these customers
  • calls could no longer go through 3G
  • VoLTE became mandatory immediately

What changed on 7 April 2026?

From 7 April 2026, Swisscom permanently cut 3G for all of its customers.

The result:

  • no more fallback to 3G
  • everyone is affected
  • VoLTE is now the only way to make mobile calls

What changes in practice

If your device still relies on 3G:

  • ❌ unable to make calls
  • ❌ unable to receive calls
  • ❌ some SMS messages may no longer work
  • ❌ technical equipment potentially out of service (alarms, lifts, etc.)

In short: a device without VoLTE becomes unusable for telephony.

What exactly is VoLTE?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows calls to be made directly over the 4G network.

Before:

  • your phone switched to 3G for calls

Today:

  • it stays on 4G permanently
  • and this is now mandatory

Why VoLTE is essential

With VoLTE:

  • ✔ HD call quality
  • ✔ near-instant connection
  • ✔ internet stays active during calls
  • ✔ better overall stability

Without VoLTE:

no calls at all

Affected devices

The main categories at risk:

  • older smartphones (generally before 2018)
  • phones without 4G support
  • technical equipment (IoT, alarms, GSM modules)

Note: even a 4G smartphone can cause problems if VoLTE is not enabled.

Why is 3G disappearing?

3G is now an outdated technology:

  • barely used
  • less efficient
  • energy-intensive

Removing it allows improvements to 4G, 5G, and overall network quality.

MaxiConnect conclusion

At MaxiConnect, this transition is already behind us for part of our customers.

Since early March 2026:

  • 3G has no longer been available on our Swisscom-based network
  • VoLTE is mandatory

Since 7 April 2026:

  • this reality now applies to everyone

Need help checking your phone or your subscription?

Our 100% Swiss support team is here for you.

📞 +41 58 521 32 00 — 📧 hello@maxiconnect.ch