As Switzerland’s leading telecommunications provider and the digital backbone of Switzerland, Swisscom plays a central role in the country’s digital transformation. Swisscom invests CHF 1.7 billion annually in infrastructure in Switzerland, continuously modernizing the country’s digital networks and enabling future technologies. A trusted technology partner for both private individuals and businesses, Swisscom delivers secure, reliable, and high-speed connectivity across the country.

Beyond its role as an operator, Swisscom actively contributes to the development of Switzerland’s digital ecosystem through continued investment in fiber optics, mobile networks, and 5G technologies. At the heart of this ambition is the nationwide deployment of Fiber to the Home (FTTH), designed to bring high-speed connectivity directly to households and businesses across Switzerland.

This interview explores Swisscom’s nationwide FTTH program, the challenges of deploying fiber infrastructure at scale, and the role of strategic partnerships in supporting Switzerland’s digital future.

Can you tell us more about the project you are currently managing?

Our work is part of the nationwide FTTH (Fiber to the Home) deployment program, which focuses on bringing high-speed fiber connectivity directly to households across Switzerland.

This program is structured around two main components. The first is the FTTH Rollout, which involves large-scale deployments across entire areas, such as cities, districts, or municipalities, using an industrial and highly coordinated approach.

These projects require close collaboration between Swisscom, local authorities and its implementation partners. As one of Swisscom’s four Total Contractor partners, Axians supports the delivery of FTTH projects across Switzerland.

The second component is the EPG (“Einzelprojektgeschäft” – individual project business), which covers individual projects. These are often driven by specific customer requests, for example connecting a new building, upgrading existing infrastructure, or migrating a client to fiber. These projects span the entire lifecycle, from the initial request through to commissioning.

The EPG approach relies heavily on standardized processes, predefined construction elements and nationwide pricing models, ensuring both flexibility and consistent quality across all projects.

What were the main challenges you faced, and how did Axians help address them?

Deploying FTTH at scale presents several challenges. We are dealing with large and sometimes fluctuating volumes, high operational complexity due to regional diversity, and the need to coordinate multiple stakeholders. At the same time, we must continuously balance quality, speed, and cost efficiency within a strict regulatory framework.

Axians plays an important role in supporting the delivery of our nationwide FTTH program within its area of responsibility.

Within the Total Contractor model, Axians assumes end-to-end responsibility for the projects assigned to them, from design and planning to implementation and commissioning.

One of their major strengths is flexibility. Within its assigned projects, Axians can quickly scale resources up or down depending on demand, allowing us to maintain a high deployment pace while adapting to changing conditions.

In addition, they bring strong expertise in process optimization and innovation, contributing to continuous improvements in efficiency across the program.

Within the EPG framework, Axians also supports the execution of standardized projects using Swisscom’s standardized Schedule of Services catalogue, which ensures consistent and rapid implementation across the country. This significantly reduces complexity and improves coordination between all stakeholders.

What concrete results and benefits has this partnership delivered for Swisscom? 

As a Total Contractor partner, Axians has contributed to the successful delivery of our nationwide FTTH rollout. First and foremost, the collaboration has helped accelerate fiber deployment across Switzerland through an efficient multi-partner delivery model capable of handling large-scale deployments.

Operationally, we have seen great improvements. Standardized processes and cost models, particularly through the EPG structure, have enhanced budget control and shortened delivery timelines. The Total Contracto model has also simplified interfaces between stakeholders, resulting in better communication and increased overall efficiency.

Another key benefit is flexibility. We can now adjust resources and priorities quickly in response to changes in demand or budget constraints. Projects can be redistributed among partners as needed, without compromising quality.

Finally, this partnership has strengthened our long-term ecosystem. By continuously contributing to process improvements and professionalizing deployment practices, Axians has helped us build a collaborative and scalable model. This positions us to deliver faster, more efficient, and more innovative fiber infrastructure for Switzerland in the years ahead.

Looking ahead, how do you see the evolution of this collaboration?

We see our partnership with Axians as a long-term, strategic collaboration. As demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow, the ability to scale efficiently and innovate together will be essential.

By combining Swisscom’s nationwide vision with the expertise of its Total Contractor partners, including Axians, we continue to accelerate the deployment of fiber connectivity across Switzerland.

 

Editor’s note 

A Total Contractor is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the projects assigned to it, from planning and design through implementation and commissioning. Swisscom currently works with four Total Contractor partners as part of its nationwide FTTH deployment program. 

 

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