3G shutdown in Switzerland. Why many systems will soon go silent and how we can prevent it

Author: Roger Leuzinger Category: Business

3G disappears, what happens to your system then?

For many systems, this means radio silence. For Telebutler customers? Peace and quiet. Because in Switzerland, the 3G network (UMTS) is being switched off step by step. Sunrise already made the switch in August 2025. Swisscom will follow suit on December 31, 2025 .

What is barely noticeable for mobile phone users can have serious consequences in building automation or heating control.

No network: No data exchange. No data exchange: No control.

The good news: We've already taken precautions

While others are only reacting to the shutdown, Cadec built in the future years ago. Our systems for digital heating control, alarms, and IoT communication rely on CAT.M1, a wireless technology specifically designed for machine-to-machine (M2M) connections.

What makes CAT.M1 so special?

  • It runs on the 4G network (LTE), thus continuing well beyond the 3G shutdown.
  • Utilizes low frequencies with strong wall penetration. Ideal for technical rooms and massive building structures.
  • Designed for data communication and is perfect for stable transmission between devices.

In other words,
even when 3G goes silent, Cadec continues to listen.

A small step in technology, a giant leap for your future

Switching to CAT.M1 is straightforward: A simple upgrade and your system continues to operate. Only this time it's more modern, stable, and energy-efficient.

And the best part:
CAT.M1 is future-proof.

From 2035 onwards, this technology is expected to be integrated into 5G, ensuring that your systems remain fully compatible with the next generation of networks.

Why this is important

Building automation is much more than just technology. It's about security, control, and efficiency.

A communication failure can mean: no alarm message, no temperature control, no remote maintenance.

With CADEC IoT solutions , you can secure your infrastructure twice over.

For today (4G/CAT.M1)
and for tomorrow (5G integration).

Conclusion: If 3G works, Cadec will stay

The 3G shutdown in Switzerland marks the end of an era. But for CADEC customers, it primarily means one thing: peace of mind. Because their heating control and building automation systems will remain online. Now and in the future.