Television in Switzerland: cable, internet, satellite or only apps?

Hardly any country has changed the way it receives television as quickly as Switzerland. The aerial has been history since 2019, the cable network is changing, and a large share of households now watch over the internet. Here is an overview of the options still available in 2026.

TV over the internet: the norm

Swisscom blue TV, Sunrise TV, Salt TV, Quickline and the providers Zattoo and Teleboy deliver their channels over the internet line. The big advantage is Replay: programmes from the last seven days can be watched at any time, plus cloud recordings and apps for phone and tablet. Anyone who wants to skip the ads pays extra with many providers, or waits. This is a Swiss peculiarity that comes from an agreement with the broadcasters.

To receive it, you need a box or an app on the TV. The providers' apps run on most current sets and on Apple TV; a box is only needed if the TV is older or if you want features such as recording to a hard disk.

Does cable TV still exist?

Yes. The classic cable network delivers television as DVB-C straight to the set's tuner, with no box, no internet and very fast channel switching. It is the simplest solution for second sets and older residents. However, network operators are gradually moving their offering over to internet TV; if you are setting up from scratch today, treat the cable connection as a transitional solution.

Does satellite TV still exist?

Yes. Satellite gives you hundreds of channels with no monthly fee. The Swiss channels are encrypted and need an access card; Replay and recordings only work with a suitable receiver. Satellite is worth it for a country house or holiday flat, anywhere internet and cable are weak.

Can you watch TV without cable, satellite or internet?

Hardly any more. In June 2019 SRG took its channels off the terrestrial network (DVB-T), because fewer than two per cent of households were using it. Without cable, satellite or fixed-line internet, the only option left for the Swiss channels is usually a mobile internet connection, for example a 5G router with a TV provider's app.

Streaming: Play Suisse, Netflix and co.

With Play Suisse, SRG offers series, films and documentaries free of charge. On top of that there are Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and sports services such as blue Sport or DAZN. For many households, streaming replaces linear TV; for news, sport and live programmes, a TV provider still makes sense.

HbbTV: the red button

Through HbbTV, broadcasters deliver media libraries and extra information straight into the programme. The TV needs an internet connection for this; the feature can be activated on most sets.

What we recommend

And in every case, a network cable to the TV: 4K streaming over Wi-Fi works, but not always at prime time. We set up provider, apps and remote control so that in the end there is one way to operate everything, not three.

More on this: TV setup and calibration and TV advice at home.