Interconnection regulates connectivity between Swisscom's telecoms networks and those of other network operators. Swisscom has been offering cost-based interconnection charges since 1998; since 2000 these have been calculated using the Long Run Incremental Costs (LRIC) method. The recalculation of these costs has resulted in lower charges each year. The charges contain only the additional costs generated by interconnection services and no profit.

Interconnection proceedings go back to the year 2000

Two telecoms companies had applied to ComCom in 2000 seeking to have the interconnection prices charged to them by Swisscom Fixnet reduced. In November 2003 ComCom ordered a 25% to 35% reduction in these charges. Following a complaint on the part of Swisscom Fixnet AG, the federal court referred the matter back to ComCom on formal grounds, which then issued new decrees in June 2005. In the decrees, it again directed Swisscom Fixnet AG to reduce its interconnection charges for the years 2000 to 2003, this time by around 30% and declared invalid a clause in the interconnection agreement with one telecoms company which excluded the possibility of official rulings being made retroactive on third parties not involved in the proceedings. Swisscom Fixnet AG brought a complaint against these decrees before the federal court.

In its decision of 21 April 2006, which was communicated to the parties with reasons on 22 May 2006, the federal court approved in principle ComCom's setting the prices for the period 2000 to 2003. It objected however to the price setting method used by the commission in the area of data transmission on the grounds that it was not suitable and referred the matter back to ComCom for recalculation.  The court confirmed, on the other hand, ComCom's opinion that the aforementioned clause excluding the possibility of interconnection decisions being made retroactive on third parties not involved in the proceedings was not permissible.

Swisscom Fixnet has been setting aside provisions for the last few years

Since 2000 Swisscom Fixnet AG has set aside provisions for a possible reimbursement of too high interconnection prices charged to the two telecoms providers as well as other applicants. At the end of 2005 these provisions amounted to CHF 263 million. As a result of the retroactive non-discrimination clause now confirmed by the federal court, Swisscom Fixnet AG will now be obliged to also reduce its interconnection charges for those providers who had previously accepted them. On the other hand, the new usage-based calculation method ordered by the federal court could result in lower repayments by Swisscom Fixnet AG than those incorrectly calculated by ComCom. For this reason, the exact financial implications for Swisscom are not known at present.

Swisscom is currently analysing the decision in detail and expects as a result of the federal court decision for 2006 a decline in the operating result (EBITDA) by around CHF 180 million. The expected cash outflow will amount to around CHF 290 million for 2006 and up to CHF 150 million next year. Current revenue will not be lower as a result of the decision since Swisscom has also set aside or will set aside provisions for current revenue.