Mobile communication and health

For many years now, there has been a great deal of public discussion about potential health risks. How harmful is mobile communication really? And what precautions is Swisscom taking to protect people?

Mobile communications and 5G

Concerns about mobile communications?

Mobile communications in Switzerland

1 in 10

feel affected by radiation from mobile communication masts in their homes.

5 in 10

think mobile communication masts are dangerous. 7 in 10 think motor vehicles are and 8 in 10 worry about climate change.

9 in 10

use a smartphone; more than half have two or more devices.

We take concerns seriously

The safety of society and the environment is also central to us when operating the mobile network. We address concerns about potential risks through research, education and precautionary tips – while complying with the applicable federal requirements at all times.

Particularly strict limits apply in Switzerland.

We offer support by providing information and advice.

We work with others to find solutions for everyone.

We support the independent research foundation FSM.

We offer products to reduce the effects of mobile phone use on the body.

Facts or opinions

Society is using mobile communications more and more often. To meet this need, the infrastructure must be constantly expanded. Swisscom takes the various arguments against this development seriously. Swisscom experts comment on these topics in the following articles.

Does 5G affect me?

Check out our dedicated 5G page for full information about 5G.

Antennas are located where they are needed – for the best network. This OFCOM map shows the location of all mobile systems in Switzerland, together with information on the technology and output.

Frequently asked questions

You are blanketing Switzerland in electrosmog. Can you prove that it is not a hazard?

No, we can't do that. Just as it isn’t possible to prove that electrical household appliances are harmless, there is no way to conclusively and definitively prove a “non-effect”. As far as mobile communications are concerned, the established science and responsible bodies (such as the World Health Organisation or the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment) have given the all-clear regarding the immissions of mobile communications antennas.

We've been arguing for decades about whether mobile communication is dangerous or not. You say no, but you're biased. People affected by electrosmog say yes, but they could be mistaken. So who can we trust?

Here at Swisscom, we trust expert organisations that are committed to science and impartiality. In our case they are:

the Federal Office of Environment (for masts)
the Federal Office of Public Health (for mobile phones)
the ETH Research Foundation for Electricity and Mobile Communication (on both subjects)
and the World Health Organisation (also on both subjects).Check out these sources online and you will agree that their opinions are well-founded.

I am affected by the electrosmog from your mobile masts (sleeplessness, lack of concentration, depression). What should I do?

It’s likely that mobile communications antennas are one of several sources of electromagnetic fields present in your home (and probably a weak one at that). Please have the cause of your ailment diagnosed without bias. The right specialist in this case is a doctor. If necessary, seek a second expert opinion.

Your lobby keeps repeating the same mantra that mobile electrosmog isn't dangerous. That's exactly how it was for asbestos.

This is not an accurate comparison. In the case of asbestos, it was scientifically proven that this material causes cancer and the biological mechanisms were also known. Appropriate action followed quickly thereafter. In the case of emissions from mobile masts and phones there is no such proof and thus no causal explanations of hazards.