A new study by moneyland.ch has revealed which Swiss mobile phone providers are most favoured by customers. While all providers were rated positively, the survey found that customers still see areas for improvement, especially regarding promotions and data roaming charges.

M-Budget Mobile and Wingo claim the top spot

To create the survey, 1.538 customers gave their mobile providers a score of one to 10 in a number of categories, ranging from value for money and network quality to customer services and billing. These scores were then combined into an average to create the overall ranking.

In what will be good news for budget providers and Swiss supermarkets, the report revealed that M-Budget Mobile and Wingo are the most favoured mobile providers in Switzerland, with each earning 8,2 points out of 10. The subsidiaries of Migros and Swisscom respectively were rated best in the majority of categories.

At the bottom of the ranking sit two of the largest telecom providers in the country, with Salt. and Sunrise placing joint last with a score of 7,4 out of 10. Specifically, the two were rated worst for roaming charges, internet and mobile functionality and general satisfaction - although Salt. did rank best for call quality.

Promotions and roaming charges the biggest annoyances

In the study, moneyland.ch expert Ralf Beyeler said that while "Swiss customers are generally satisfied with their cell phone subscriptions and prepaid offers," there are still some areas for improvement. One of the biggest pet peeves found by the study is in regard to campaigns and promotions, especially those where customers have to sign on to a long contract or have to be new in order to benefit.

Another major annoyance is the prevalence of roaming charges outside of Switzerland, with users - sometimes without knowing - paying hundreds of francs for data while on holiday. “Roaming is still expensive…From the customer's point of view, it's amazing that the providers aren't doing anything about the bad ratings," Beyler concluded.

Swiss mobile phone providers ranked

In all, here are the top mobile phone providers in Switzerland ranked from best to worst:

1. M-Budget Mobile, Wingo (8,2)
2. Aldi Suisse Mobile, Quickline, Swisscom (8)
3. Coop Mobile (7,9)
4. Lebara (7,8)
5. Yallo (7,7)
6. Salt., Sunrise (7,4)

For more information, check out the moneyland.ch study (in German).