DECT Phone Use and Features

DECT phones were called Digital European Cordless Telephones up until 1995, when the more universal term Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication came into use. Due to increased globalization and a need to consolidate and unify the telecommunications industry, a non profit organization called the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) was formed in 1988 to help with a comprehensive overhaul of the European telecommunications industry. ETSI is now comprised of members from 62 countries/provinces from Europe and other areas of the world. It is a comprehensive governing body charged with all things regarding communication including computer networks, manufacturing, and service.

DECT phones are now used around the world including the USA, but are still very prevalent in Europe. In Europe, DECT phones operate on a band frequency of 1880 MHz – 1900 MHz, this band frequency is often used in Asia, South America, and Australia. In 2005, the US, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) changed the band frequency to 1920 MHz – 1930 MHz or 1.9 GHz for the US. This is a part of the band frequency that the FCC has defined as Unlicensed Personal Communication Services (UPCS) and is used for short range use in the US. This includes DECT phone use which includes the DECT 6.0 which is made and sold for US consumers. This FCC frequency band change allows for DECT phone usage and other voice communication programs the exclusive use of this frequency which means users will experience less problems due to other wireless applications.

The term DECT 6.0 was developed for the US market to differentiate between the frequencies used in most parts of the world for DECT phone devices. And also to differentiate between other cordless telecommunications functions using the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz which are the radio frequencies  used by people or industries using band width for industrial, scientific, or medical purposes. This industrial, scientific, and medical ISM) radio bands have a sort of priority and all communications equipment must deal with possible interference from this ISM band. DECT 6.0 was developed as a marketing term to refer to 6.0 GHz when actually DECT 6.0 phones work at the 1.9 GHz level. DECT 1.9  was thought to be confusing to US consumers as people generally assume a larger number would mean better or more coverage when just the opposite is true in this case.

Of course, the DECT phone offers portability but they also have some additional great features that other types of cordless telephones don’t provide. With a DECT phone, you can use the head sets like walkie talkies and make calls between the phones. A DECT phone only requires one phone line and one base station; the other handsets just need a battery charger station. You will get clear outdoor coverage up to 100 meters or 328 feet. Most cordless phone systems come no where near this type of coverage area. In addition, because of the dedicated frequency, a DECT phone operates very well in areas with a lot of other potential radio traffic. Batteries also keep a charge longer than other cordless phones; some can hold a charge up to 24 hours.

Although DECT phones are relatively new to the US market, they have been widely used in Europe for many years. With the FTC dedication of the 1.9 GHz frequency in 2005, look for the DECT phone to gain a greater share of the cordless phone market. With an ability to handle interference from a variety of wireless sources and increased battery capacity, look for US consumers to get on the DECT 6.0 bandwagon.