Public service concession

A public service concession assigns the operation of a service of public interest to a concessionaire while preserving public control. In Switzerland this model appears in sectors such as transport, utilities, communications and infrastructure, depending on the applicable federal or cantonal regime. The concession may define service quality, coverage, tariffs, continuity, reporting, investment and termination rules. It differs from a mere licence because the holder often assumes public-service obligations. Award procedures must respect the governing legal framework, equality, transparency where applicable and proportionality.