What are DECT phones?
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) phone technology has seen major advancements over the years by increasing voice quality, reducing interference and improving developing phone system linkage. DECT phones use radio frequencies to transfer voices between a portable handset and base station, which is connected to landline networks. DECT phones have many unique advantages over other phone systems, including the ability to link multiple handsets to one base station - so that you can provide many cordless phones for workers in your warehouse or people in your home. Operations - that require critical time efficiency (saving time, money and lives) such as, hospital management - have found DECT phones to be great investments.
Originally, DECT phones were a welcome upgrade from the “office switchboard,” which depended upon clumsy interoffice connections. These DECT phones improved the Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) by more efficient coordination of fax machines, modems and telephones. The DECT phones’ internal (intercom) system, of calls between handsets, is especially effective in factories.
UK radio frequency ranges, for DECT phones, are from 1.88 to 1.90 gigahertz. As the DECT phone technology spreads across the globe, nations have opened up other radio frequency ranges for these phones.
DECT cordless phones have always worked with the traditional phone landlines or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Bluetooth wireless technology has aided in DECT phone compatibility with other telecommunications technologies, including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Global System Mobile (GSM).
DECT phones are superior to competing products, offering a more seamless handover, with fewer breaks in the conversation. The easy accessibility of DECT phones means fewer missed calls and more efficient workplaces. DECT phones are easy-to-use and allow for the free movement of active people.
DECT phones offer the basic features common to all telephones: Caller ID, Call waiting and last number redial. Special features include mute buttons, voicemail indicator and handset locators. Some DECT phones include a charging station.
DECT phones offer many stylish designs, colour options and lighting selections. Most DECT phones use the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
Some DECT phones can store up to 50 numbers and have a convenient “autotalk” feature, allowing you to pick up the phone (after it rings) and talk, without ever pressing a button.
DECT Phones - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers
- How is the voice quality of DECT phones?
+ Voice quality has improved. Reviewers have reported “excellent,” “natural” and “crystal clear” voice quality.
- Will my DECT phone interfere with my radio or baby monitor?
+ DECT phones may run into interference from electrical applicances, radios, other cordless phones and baby monitors. Some DECT phones overcome this interference by “spreading spectrum” over multiple available frequencies. Or you can “change the channel” for a better frequency.
- How long is my DECT phone’s battery life?
+ Most charged phone batteries provide about 8 to 24 hours of talk-time. Nickel metal-hydride batteries are better than nickel cadmium - offering three times the battery life. Some models use cheaper standard rechargeable batteries.
- Aren’t DECT phones big and clunky?
+ DECT phones are increasingly smaller and more lightweight. DECT phones have better ergonomics - sleek, curved and rounded - contoured to your hand and face.
- What is the range of DECT phones?
+ DECT phones have a range averaging about 984 feet (300 metres) from handset to base station. This is perfect for businessmen working at home or people who want to continue talking while working in the garden.
- Are there headsets available, so I can talk while I exercise?
+ Yes. DECT phone accessories include adapters, battery packs and headsets.
- Can I make a “three-way” conference call?
+ Yes. Many DECT phone systems have this functionality.
- Why should I choose digital over analog?
+ Analog cordless phones can be interfered with by microwaves. DECT phones have better security, less interference and might have a longer range. Digital is more compatible with emerging technology.
- What is the quality of the speaker phone?
+ The speaker phone is usually in the base. The best quality speaker phone technology is called “digital duplex”. This has improved speaker quality by reducing echoes.
- What technologies are DECT phones compatible with?
+ DECT phones bridge cordless and wireless technologies - some mobile phones use the same base station. Internet phone service, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), works with some DECT phones too. You can buy any number of DECT phones compatible with the most cutting edge emerging technologies.
DECT phones have many great features. When you make your purchasing decision, concentrate on the “functionality” of your phone - “How do you expect to use your DECT phone?” Do you want DECT phones for an interoffice system or for personal usage?
Choose carefully, there are many wonderful selections.
