Starting June 10, 2025, Switzerland will begin the gradual shutdown of the 3G network.
By August 2025 at the latest, the network will be completely deactivated. This change will also affect all Galaxus Mobile customers.
Why is 3G being shut down?
The 3G technology was introduced 20 years ago and is now outdated. It consumes valuable network resources that are needed for modern and more efficient mobile technologies like 4G and 5G. These newer standards offer significantly higher data speeds, lower latency, and greater energy efficiency.
By shutting down 3G, resources can be freed up to expand and improve the 4G and 5G networks.
How does the shutdown affect you?
If you’re using a device that only supports 3G, you will no longer be able to use mobile services once the network is turned off. This includes:
- Voice calls (including emergency calls)
- Mobile data connections
- SMS services
I have a 4G-compatible device, but it doesn’t support VoLTE – what do I need to know?
Some devices, while 4G-compatible, do not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE). In this case, only internet access is possible – voice calls over the 4G network will not work. If you want to continue making calls, you’ll need a device that supports VoLTE.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a technology that enables voice calls to be made directly over the 4G / LTE network. This connection has many advantages over 3G, such as clearer voice quality (HD Voice), faster call setup, the ability to surf the internet while calling, and lower power consumption on the device.
What should you do now?
- Check your device: Make sure your current device supports both 4G and VoLTE. Most smartphones manufactured from 2016 onward meet these requirements.
Activate VoLTE: Ensure that VoLTE is enabled on your device. You can usually find this option in your smartphone’s network settings.
On certain devices, you can activate VoLTE via code:
Xiaomi/Android: *#*#86583#*#* + call button
Other Android devices: *#*#4636#*#* + call button- Upgrade your device: If your device does not support either 4G or VoLTE, we recommend switching to a more recent model to continue using all mobile services.
How do you know if VoLTE is active on your device?
Most newer devices that support 4G or higher also support VoLTE calling. If VoLTE is not yet active, you can enable it in your settings under “Mobile Networks > VoLTE Calls”.
You can also test whether your device supports VoLTE: if the 4G icon appears in your status bar and disappears when you make a call, VoLTE is either not enabled or your device does not support it.
Is calling via 5G possible?
No, not yet. In Switzerland, including with our network partner Sunrise, 5G SA is currently being tested and gradually introduced. With 5G SA (Standalone), voice calling via 5G (VoNR – Voice over New Radio, the successor to VoLTE) becomes possible, provided the device supports 5G SA. We are currently evaluating its rollout at Galaxus Mobile with our network partner and cannot yet provide a date.