Good signal, slow internet? Here’s how to check your network coverage
Good internet isn’t just about the network included in your plan. What really matters is how well the network works where you actually need it: at home, at the office, on the go, or on the train.
Network coverage maps help you get a general idea. They show which technologies are generally available at a given location—for example, 4G, 5G, or 5G+. However, how fast and stable the connection is in everyday use depends on other factors.
This includes buildings, locations, network load, cell tower locations, and whether you’re currently moving or in a fixed location.
Why is my reception sometimes poor?
Even with good network coverage, the Internet can sometimes be slow or unstable. These factors may be to blame.
- Mountains, valleys, or forests can weaken the signal.
- Thick walls, modern windows, or basements can impair reception.
- Tunnels, underground parking garages, and tall buildings can cause dead zones.
- Many people use the same cell at the same time.
- On a train or in a car, your device constantly switches between antennas.
- If you use a cellular connection as your home Internet solution, the router’s location can affect reception.
That’s why it can happen that, even though the map shows you have good reception, your internet speed isn’t always consistent.
Here’s how to check your location
If you want to know whether, for example, Sunrise works well in your area, the official Sunrise network coverage map is a good place to start. You can enter your specific address.
It’s best to check not only where you live, but also where you work and places you frequently visit.
In addition, an antenna map is helpful because, among other things, it shows where cell towers are located near you, which carriers are present there, and in which direction a tower transmits. This will help you better understand why reception is good at your location or why it fluctuates despite network coverage.
An even better way to test it is in everyday situations. Check the reception at home, at the office, and on the go—ideally at different times of the day. That’s because the network may be busier in the evening or in crowded places than it is in the morning.
With Digital Republic, you have flexibility: The mobile plans have no minimum contract term. So if the network doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you can switch at any time. You can easily port your existing phone number to Digital Republic and keep it.
And why is the internet sometimes slow on the train?
Mobile internet service can be spotty on the train—even if your phone shows several signal bars.
There are several reasons for this:
While the train is moving, the smartphone constantly switches from one antenna to the next. Each time it switches, the connection has to be briefly reestablished. At the same time, many people on the same train are using mobile data. On top of that, trains are made largely of metal, which can block the signal.
Tunnels, valleys, or remote sections of road can also affect reception.
How good is the Sunrise network in Switzerland?
Sunrise’s 5G network already reaches 99 percent of Swiss residents. For 5G+, the figure is 79 percent so far.
The Sunrise network is particularly strong in cities, metropolitan areas, and well-developed residential areas. In each of these locations, there are several cell towers nearby. This ensures stable reception and fast internet.
In rural areas, valleys, or highly isolated buildings, it’s worth taking a closer look. In those locations, actual performance can vary more significantly depending on the site.
If the Sunrise network covers your area, you’ll find suitable mobile plans from Digital Republic to meet all your needs.
Three Misconceptions About Network Coverage
5G always means better internet
Not necessarily. A strong 4G signal can be more stable and faster in everyday use than a weak 5G signal—for example, if the 4G antenna is closer.
Many signal bars mean fast internet
Not always. The signal bars mainly indicate how strong the signal is. However, if many people are using the same cell tower at the same time, the internet can be slow even with a strong signal.
If the map says “5G,” it works perfectly everywhere
No. Network coverage maps are a good guide. Buildings, windows, terrain, and network load can affect actual performance.
In Switzerland, all three major mobile networks are very well developed. Swisscom is often considered the top performer in many network tests, especially in terms of coverage and reliability. However, Sunrise also has widespread availability and offers strong network performance, particularly in cities, metropolitan areas, and well-developed residential areas. Whether Sunrise is the right choice for you therefore depends less on a general ranking—and more on your location and how you use the internet.
Discover Our Other News Articles
Your Roaming Guide for the Holidays
Whether it’s Google Maps, searching for restaurants, or sharing vacation photos straight from the beach: With the right roaming plan, you’ll stay connected even when you’re abroad. We’ll show you what’s included, how to sign up for plans, and what to do if you run into problems.
No More Individual Contracts!
Heating, charging stations, solar panels: Modern properties need connectivity. But managing countless individual contracts and accounts costs property managers valuable time. Digital Republic puts an end to that: Find out here how you can centralize SIM management for your entire portfolio through a single master account, bill flexibly, and handle client changes in a snap.
Cheaper Abroad: We’re Slashing Roaming Rates!
Good news for your travel budget: We’ve significantly lowered the rates for roaming data packages, as well as for calls and texts. Save big on the large packages in Zone 1—for example, 10 GB for just CHF 35 instead of CHF 50.
