Federal Council stands by emergency radio
The Federal Council has postponed the scrapping of the IBBK emergency radio system. The IG Pro Notfallradio welcomes the decision, but identifies shortcomings in the canton of Zug.
On 10 June 2026, the Federal Council decided to postpone the phasing out of the IBBK emergency radio service for the time being. The system, which enables the federal government to inform the public during crises, will therefore remain operational beyond the end of 2026.
The approximately thirty transmitting installations across Switzerland ensure the dissemination of information and reach the public even in civil defence shelters. Operational readiness was confirmed on 20 May 2026 by a test emission via the Rigi transmitter.
The IG Pro Notfallradio group has criticised the Canton of Zug. The Baar-Hinterzimbel facility there was decommissioned in 2008. Since then, coverage in Zug’s civil defence shelters has been inadequate, as the signals from the Rigi transmitter do not cover the entire canton.
The organisation is calling on the DDPS and the cantonal authorities to rebuild the facility. To ensure this demand is met, the launch of a cantonal popular initiative is being considered.
