"With this analysis, RootMetrics was the first company to make a scientifically sound comparison of Switzerland’s 5G networks. We pioneered 5G in Switzerland and Europe and are proud that RootMetrics has confirmed our leading position: Sunrise offers the biggest and fastest 5G network in Switzerland, with the quickest response times. Speed, capacity and latency are key quality criteria for 5G and crucial for applications like smart manufacturing, 360° live video and virtual reality for tourism and sports. Our first worldwide 4K cloud gaming offer over 5G would not be possible without an outstanding performance in each area," explains Olaf Swantee, CEO of Sunrise.

RootMetrics took more than 32,000 measurements from drive tests ranging over 2,800 kilometers between Geneva and Zurich in cars and trains, in more than 70 public buildings (e.g. cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets) and pedestrian areas of cities. The test routes were specifically designed by RootMetrics to include the 5G coverage areas declared by the various providers.

Unbeatable mobile network reliability

In addition to the 5G test, in which Sunrise offers the largest and fastest 5G network in Switzerland with the shortest response times, RootMetrics also analyzed all other network technologies offered by the three mobile networks. According to these results, Sunrise also offers unbeatable mobile network reliability in Switzerland across data, voice, and text performance.

5G makes digitization possible in rural and mountain regions

The importance of digitization for rural and mountain areas is called out in the Federal Council's report "Economic development of mountain regions: Instruments and Measures of the Confederation" of 13 November 2019. In these regions, companies and households lack sufficient direct fibre-optic connections. With slow DSL connections or a basic service of 10 Mbps, it’s not possible to implement business-critical applications or innovative new tourism and entertainment applications here. With its "5G for People" strategy, Sunrise offers fiber-optic-like, ultra-high broadband connections as an alternative, ranging from several hundred Mbps to 2 Gbps. With 5G as "fiber through the air" and the quickest response times, concepts like smart manufacturing, virtual reality tourism, 4K cloud gaming and many other 5G applications could soon become possible.

5G rollout

To meet the need for fast broadband Internet, Sunrise is currently building 5G in the 3.5 GHz range with speeds up to 2 Gbps. Smartphone customers also benefit, whereas with "two-class 5G" there are barely any compatible devices, while connection speeds are not significantly different from 4G+.

Sunrise already provides more than 331 towns/cities with 5G. This figure only includes areas where 5G coverage reaches at least 80% of the local population. 5G coverage is gradually also available in many other areas, including parts of major cities such as Zurich, Berne and Geneva. The current coverage map, with a city and address search feature as well as the list of cities, is available on the Sunrise website.

Sunrise is continuing its plan to secure Switzerland’s leading digital infrastructure position within Europe with 5G, and is continually supplying new cities/towns with the technology. Sunrise wants to expand the 5G network to all regions as quickly as possible. To do this, Sunrise is maintaining a close, constructive dialog with the relevant authorities, and focusing on cantons and municipalities looking to benefit quickly from technological advances. Conversely, areas that have used moratoria and stricter procedural requirements as delay tactics must therefore expect slower progress – of up to 30% – compared to other cantons and municipalities.

____________________

Fastest 5G network based on median download speeds observed by RootMetrics. Biggest based on 5G cell sites available as of November 2019 and most time on 5G supported by a weighted linear combination of RootScores®. RootMetrics results based on the Switzerland RootScore Report: H2 2019. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on 3 national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Sunrise. Visit www.rootmetrics.com for more details.