Internet access free of charge from the app. SBB FreeSurf is available on all SBB long-distance trains (IC and IR). SBB FreeSurf is based on the excellent mobile phone coverage along the Swiss rail routes – passengers can benefit from a faster and smoother internet connection with more bandwidth than you get with conventional train Wi-Fi. Customers with a digitec, Quickline, Salt (Das Abo, GoMo, Lidl Connect are included), Sunrise or Swisscom mobile phone contract can surf the internet for free with die SBB FreeSurf app. Passengers from abroad will be able to surf the internet for free with a SIM card (also eSIM) from a mobile phone provider participating in SBB FreeSurf. Trains with a free internet connection are marked with ‘FS’ (for FreeSurf) in the online timetable. When boarding the train, the customers can open the SBB FreeSurf app. Automatic recognition takes place using a beacon. After registering successfully, the customers will receive an SMS text confirming that they can surf for free via their mobile phone provider. When alighting from the train or switching off the connection, you will receive a message stating that free internet access is no longer active. We only need customers to provide the mobile number to be used for registration.
Doesn’t work for USA phone numbers
There’s no way to register unless you have a Swiss phone number. They claim it works with eSIM but there’s nothing to do and it’s all dependent on a SMS confirmation. Don’t bother if you’re American. Just buy a travel plan through your provider at home. 5G works well almost everywhere.
Not to worry
Does not work with Swisscom (largest in Switzerland) neither. Over-engineered process that does not work… Maybe do what all other airlines and train services do?
Don’t bother without a Swiss number
Wasted 10 minutes to download an app that’s made only for Swiss phone number holders. Why so complicated to offer internet on trains free or paid via a website? Airlines figured it out.
No internet w/o Swiss number
If I had a Swiss number I’d probably wouldn’t need Wi-Fi, would I? Way to make life hard for tourists…
Bug fixes and performance improvements.
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