Modern universal service: Swiss Post welcomes the Federal Council's first step
Swiss Post welcomes the modifications to the universal service obligation proposed today by the Federal Council. They are an important first step towards a forward-looking mandate for Swiss Post. Furthermore, Swiss Post still needs a fundamental political discussion about a modern universal service obligation from 2030. The universal postal service should be designed to meet customers’ changing needs.
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Further development of universal service obligation necessary
The universal service obligation defines the minimum range of public services to which Swiss Post is legally obliged. This forms the basis for Swiss Post’s services. Swiss Post is taking a close look at the question of which public service we will need in Switzerland in ten or twenty years’ time. Swiss Post can only be successful long-term if it develops sustainably and has a modern universal service obligation as a basis for that. It should be able to expand wherever societal and economic needs are growing. And should be able to adapt wherever demand decreases or changes. This will enable Swiss Post to respond to customers’ wishes and the ongoing process of digitization in the best possible way long-term. And continue to be self-financed in doing so, in other words, without taxpayers’ money.
Further development of universal service obligation necessary
With the ongoing “Swiss Post of tomorrow” strategy, the course is being set for a demand-led service of tomorrow. “Swiss Post, however, also needs to promptly set the course for the Swiss Post beyond tomorrow. To achieve this, the universal service obligation needs to be changed,” explains CEO Roberto Cirillo, adding: “In order to continue meeting our customers’ needs, a future-oriented and sustainable postal service is key.” Chairman of the Board of Directors Christan Levrat adds: “Switzerland needs a strong public service beyond 2030. We have to start developing this now, while also incorporating digitization.” Like the Federal Council, Swiss Post considers it important to adapt the Postal Services Act after 2030.
Bridge between the analogue and digital worlds
Swiss Post welcomes the Federal Council’s proposed amendments to the ordinance with a horizon of 2026. They are an important first step. Swiss Post welcomes the inclusion of the digital letter service in the universal service as a pioneering and central signal. For Swiss Post, a digital private letter box is also part of the universal service obligation. In future, customers will be able to choose whether they want to send and receive their mail digitally (via mobile phone or PC) or physically. “A modern universal service creates a bridge between the analogue and digital worlds,” adds Christian Levrat. In Swiss Post’s view, this means that access to postal services should be guaranteed, but not too rigidly imposed. Customers should be able to freely decide whether they want to use their smartphone or private letterbox, their local branch or the My Post 24 terminal. Even though things will become more digital in future, goods will continue to be transported physically and the need for fast delivery will persist. Roberto Cirillo emphasizes: “We want to continue acting entrepreneurially − and remain a world-leading postal service − for the benefit of the public service for the whole of Switzerland.”