DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology. Put simply, it just means that the phone can link up to its base wirelessly. That means you can walk and talk, or make and take calls from another room. The days when you had to carry the whole phone set around the house with you are thankfully long gone!
Unlike corded phones, DECT phones don’t plug directly into your landline. Instead, they require a separate base unit to function. If you’ve only got a single handset, then this is simple enough- the base and charging unit are usually combined into a single device. Any extra handsets will typically come with their own charging cradle.
Related: Top 10 Best DECT Phones
What are the pros and cons of DECT phones?
The main advantage of DECT phones is that they are incredibly convenient. No longer are you limited to making calls in just one room. Instead, you can get up to 50 metres range indoors, and 300 metres outside. Plus, with the ability to link up additional handsets, you can always have a phone handy. Each base can support up to six handsets, so you can dot them across your whole house for added convenience. That also makes them ideal for offices- no more passing handsets from desk to desk!
Want to take things even further? Many phone brands (although not BT) allow you to use what’s called a repeater. This links to the base remotely and extends its signal, and in some cases it can effectively double the range of your cordless phones. Thick walls can have a big impact on DECT range, so if you live in one of these, you’ll definitely benefit from a repeater.
If you prefer to make your calls hands-free, then we’ve got even more good news for you. DECT phones give you the ability to hook up a headset to make and take calls. These are great for those who spend a lot of time at work on the phone, as it saves you from having to hold a handset to your ear for hours at a time. Some DECT phones are only compatible with specific DECT headsets, but many more are Bluetooth-compatible for added convenience.
There are also plenty more optional extras that are only possible with DECT phones. From advanced caller ID and nuisance call blocking, to the crystal-clear speakerphone of Gigaset models, there’s a whole new world to discover with DECT phones! Be sure to check the product spec of each models to find out exactly what it has to offer.
The only real drawback to DECT phones is the fact that they need a constant power supply to work. Most of the time, that won’t be a problem. However, in the event of a power cut, you won’t be able to use your cordless phone. To be fair, most people have mobile phones as well nowadays, so it shouldn’t cause much of an issue.
Are DECT phones safe?
Some people are concerned that the wireless emissions from DECT phone could turn out to be harmful. A lot of research has been done into this, and we’re pleased to say that DECT emissions are well below the safety threshold. If this is something that you’re worried about, then luckily we’ve got a solution for you.
All Gigaset phones come with an ECO DECT function. This allows you to turn emissions down to almost nothing while the handset is on standby mode. You can also adjust it while you’re making calls, although it does affect the maximum range of the handset. What’s more, ECO DECT also slashes the power consumption of the handset- so it’s great for the environment, too!