As the registry operator, Switch is responsible for the technical and administrative management of the .ch internet domain. There are several reasons in favor of extending this mandate, which expires at the end of 2026. On the one hand, OFCOM recognizes the central importance of continuous, secure, and robust management of the .ch internet domain. This directly promotes the availability, security, and reliability of all digital services based on .ch internet addresses and strengthens the trust of citizens, businesses, and public authorities in Digital Switzerland. On the other hand, a survey conducted by OFCOM in March 2025 showed that market participants in the Swiss internet domain name market are very satisfied with the services provided by Switch in the context of its mandate. No respondent opposed the continuation of the cooperation.

Based on these findings and pursuant to the Telecommunications Act, OFCOM has decided to directly assign the role of registry operator for .ch to Switch. This approach ensures continuity in the management of domain names and also avoids additional costs, uncertainties, and delays that could result from a change in operational management.

The new contract will initially be valid for five years and may be extended once. The delegated tasks will remain largely unchanged. OFCOM has made minor adjustments to the service catalogue, in particular to further enhance the security of the .ch internet domain and to combat cybercrime more consistently.

Transfer of the registry operator function

Since 2003, Switch has acted as the registry operator for the .ch domain on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. It manages the national database of .ch domain names and ensures electronic linkage with the global Domain Name System (DNS). In its role as registry operator, Switch is not permitted to sell .ch internet addresses directly to end users.

As part of a public tender in 2016, Switch was awarded the service mandate for a five-year period (2017?2021). In accordance with the contract, this mandate was extended by five years until 2026. During this period, Switch significantly strengthened security measures and the fight against cybercrime, thereby helping to make the .ch domain one of the safest in Europe by comparison.