OFCOM is set to be given broader responsibilities for approving mast upgrades, streamlining current lengthy planning processes
The Swiss Government has proposed to relax the planning process for mobile network upgrades
On 12 December 2025, the Swiss Federal Council launched a consultation on a partial revision of the Telecommunications Act (TCA) that would ease planning processes for the adaptation of mobile masts to new technologies. The Federal Council contextualises its argument for relaxed infrastructure planning rules by emphasising the importance of mobile connectivity to critical public services, daily life and the wider economy – specifically referencing its use by the police force, fire department and other emergency services. The Federal Council explains that the current permit procedure for deploying new antennas to existing mobile masts is too cumbersome and typically takes more than a year. The consultation is open for responses until 31 March 2026.
Additional antenna deployments or modifications would no longer require approval through the traditional building permit process
The proposed changes to the TCA largely relate to the authorisation procedure for deploying new mobile antennas. Firstly, the revision proposes that approval from The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) would be required for any new antennas or mast modifications as opposed to going through the current building permit process, which can take much longer. This approach would limit the ability of local authorities to oppose the addition or modification of mast antennas. The Federal Council argues that these changes tend not to significantly impact the appearance of mobile masts, reducing the need for complex permit procedures to assess them. Secondly, the consultation establishes a reduced legal protection for individuals who may object to the deployment or modification of antennas. Individuals who may be affected by such changes would be given 30 days to appeal any OFCOM approval decisions. For the most part, these appeals would not be expected to delay deployment, but suspensions could be requested in special cases where there may be significant visual consequences caused by new antennas. The Federal Council’s proposed revisions would also reduce the Swiss cantons’ administrative costs relating to the approvals process, set up a quality assurance system for operators’ radiation emissions and increase transparency around key information contained in OFCOM’s antenna database.
Policymakers internationally are increasingly prioritising the expansion of mobile network infrastructure
Around the world, similar changes or proposals have been made to mobile mast deployment rules with the aim of encouraging network rollouts, especially to improve 5G standalone (5GSA) coverage. In the US, in September 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking that called for the pre-emption of local regulations, which can act as barriers to increased network deployment. Similarly, the EU’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA), which came into effect on 12 November 2025, has recognised the importance of increased network deployment by establishing a new four-month deadline for planning permission decisions to be made, allowing deployments to go ahead by default if no decision is reached in that time. Similarly to the Federal Council’s proposal, an amendment was also made to the German Telecommunications Act (TKG) in 2025 that designated the expansion of mobile networks as in the “overriding public interest”.
