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1. Why aren't mobile communication antennae erected outside of residential areas, in order to reduce radiation?
Constructing the network in this way would be no good to anyone, since it is best to place antennae where calls are made. The closer the user is to the antenna, the less power is required to transmit the signal - from both the antenna and the handy.
People concerned about electromagnetic radiation should therefore want providers to erect their antennae in the optimum position - and that is usually in the middle of the service area.
In general, radiation threshold levels are always respected, no matter where the antenna is placed. Furthermore, land use planning laws make it difficult to erect a mobile communication installation outside of built-up areas.

2. How high are the electromagnetic radiation levels from Ecomode plus in volts per metre?
NIR ordinance threshhold value
In the applicable NIR ordinance, a threshold value of 5 V/m is given for places of sensitive use.

This value only applies to stationary installations with a transmission power (effective radiated power) of over 6 W. Strictly speaking, DECT telephones are not covered by this.

Cordless telephones
Dect handsets have a short maximum value of 250 mW. This works out at a field strength of maximum 3.5 V/m. On average the actual value is about 10 mW. For an average power of 10 mW this means a field strength of only 0.7 V/m.
This is only the case during calls. For Ecomode plus models in standby mode power is 0 mW.

3. How can I reduce EM radiation when using the phone?
Use a UMTS-compatible phone, as this works using a considerably lower average transmission power than a GSM handset.
Make sure that the UMTS handset is not set to "GSM only" ("Connections" menu).
Make calls preferably in places with a good signal. The mobile phone then works with less transmission power.
Use a handsfree set for longer calls. This creates a larger distance between the phone and your body, meaning emissions are considerably reduced.
In the car, only telephone via an external antenna because a rapid change in network cells whilst driving and the bodywork shield often force the mobile phone to work at maximum power. Careful: Telephoning without a handsfree set whilst driving is illegal. But even if you have one, you should stop the car to talk on the phone, since it has been shown that a driver's concentration levels and reactions are reduced during phone calls.
When making calls in a train sit in a modern carriage; they are installed with repeaters and pick up weak signals at low transmission power and transmit these away.
Hold the phone in the usual speaking position. This will make communication clearer and ensure your safety.
Do not attach too much importance to SAR values. In many respects the way you use your mobile phone and the technology involved are more important.
Do not use so-called radiation blockers. At best they are ineffective, and at worst they actually do block the radiation and boost the transmission power of the handset.
If you have a GSM mobile phone, wait until connection has been made and then hold the device to your ear. Transmission power often has to be boosted in order to create a connection.

NB: The tips given here allow users to reduce their own exposure to radiation as they think best.

4. Can I receive my telephone bills online and so save paper?
Swisscom uses 570 tonnes of paper annually printing mobile and fixed network bills.
Although this is FSC paper from renewable sources, trees must nevertheless be felled. That's not absolutely necessary, because now there are paperless bills for mobile and fixed network telephones which allow you to look at your costs anytime online. It's easy to register for a paperless bill.

5. I receive a paperless bill. Can I also receive a paperless itemised bill?
Yes, that's possible.
You just have to open an account with the customer centre. Then you will have immediate access to details of your mobile and fixed network calls online. You can cancel your paper phone bills on the hotline (0800 800 800).

6. Swisscom promotes paperless billing. However, households receive a lot more paper from Directories in the form of the telephone book. Can't they make it digital?
There is still strong demand for the telephone book.
Each year we send out over four million telephone books. Circulation is monitored each year and adjusted to the needs of the customers. Each year it goes down by 5%. The demand for additional phone books shows how important it is for many people. About 450,000 - 500,000 extra copies are ordered each year.
But people who no longer want to receive their free copy can cancel it at any time, either by phone on 0848 86 80 86 or using a form online.
Of course, the phone book is also available in digital form (www.gelbeseiten.ch und www.weisseseiten.ch). These web pages currently receive about seven million hits per month. And people on the move can find addresses using their mobile phone at mobile.directories.ch.

7. Why do I have to have a new mobile phone when I extend my subscription with Swisscom, although my old phone still works perfectly well?
This is no longer the case.
Swisscom customers who extend their subscription by 12 or 24 months and still want to use their old mobile phone can now accept a loyalty bonus. This can be taken in the form of monthly calling or text message credit.

And what if my mobile stops working some time later?

No problem. You can simply take out a new two-year subscription including a new mobile at a lower price. The loyalty bonus will then of course be stopped.

8. Is Minergie an issue at Swisscom?
Minergie is certainly an issue at Swisscom.
The new Business Park in Köniz is the largest Minergie building in Canton Bern. Further new buildings are however not currently planned.
When renovating existing buildings Swisscom also looks at insulation. The main problem here is that the buildings no longer belong to Swisscom; achieving the current requirements of the SIA (Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects) is therefore an ambitious aim.
Other energy-related measures in Swisscom buildings: Swisscom's headquarters in Worblaufen are heated by a district heat supply from the nearby waste water treatment works. In Zürich-Binz heating for a residential area with about 150 homes is provided by the waste heat from a Swisscom building, which saves about 300,000 litres of oil a year.