I did a search on this section of FT: "collect call", the "hits" were over 10 years old. I did a Google search: 0170 is supposed to get you to an "international operator"--it doesn't. I don't have access to Skype.
There does NOT seem to be any way of getting an OPERATOR on SWISSCOM.
Calling ATT DIRECT using 0800-89-0011 entering number I'm calling collect and then hitting O, "no operators are available" is the recorded message.
Not everyone has a cellphone and even then many USA based CPs don't work in EUROPE.
PS: I asked a person at the front desk of my hotel (in Zurich), how do YOU reach a SWISSCOM operator: "I never need to reach an OPERATOR"
What do you mean when you say you don't have access to Skype (or similar) - not a good enough wifi connection?
You could pick up a long distance calling card - usually pretty reasonably priced and readily available in convenience stores and the like, in most countries.