What is a DECT Phone System?
DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. It is a digital wireless technology that allows you to make and receive calls using a cordless telephone handset.
How does DECT Work?
A DECT system is made up of (at least) two parts, a base station and a handset. These two parts continually communicate with each other. The base station receives data (such as incoming calls) and sends this to the handset. When you talk into the handset, this data is transferred back to the base and onwards from there. Multiple base stations can be connected together in a network to cover a wider area, for example, in large buildings.
When information is transmitted from the handset to the base station, there can be an average delay of 10 ms, which, in practice, is extensively better than whilst transmitting over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Nowadays, DECT devices need to be Generic Access Profile (GAP) ready. This is a standard that enables DECT devices from different manufacturers to communicate and work with each other. However, GAP standard only covers basic telephone functions. Therefore handsets from a different manufacturer may not be able to carry out all the functions described when using them alongside other manufacturer handsets.
The Evolution of Wireless Business Communication
In the early days of telephony, most business handsets were tethered to wall sockets or adaptors. However, the landscape began to shift in the 1980’s with the development of DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology. This revolutionary standard, first published in 1992 by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), marked a turning point in office communication.
DECT quickly gained global recognition for its simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers worldwide adopted the technology, responding to the growing demand for cordless phone options in business settings. Today, wireless handsets have become the norm, with many companies expecting this flexibility as standard communication systems.
What are the Advantages of DECT For Businesses?
With DECT, you can make and receive calls from anywhere in your building without worrying about drop outs or crackling on the line. Your team can hence work more flexibly and make or receive calls from anywhere in your building. Rather than be tied to a front desk, they can carry out other tasks without missing any calls. Not only that, should a team member need to check something whilst on the phone, they can do this without needing to leave the phone at the desk.
Here’s some more advantages:
- Long range (up to 50 m indoors, up to 300 m outdoors)
- Protection against interception
- Energy-efficient
- Great sound quality
- Versatile application
Disadvantages of DECT Phones
While DECT phones offer numerous advantages, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider as well:
- Power Dependency
- Limited Scalability for Large Deployments
- Potential for Interference
Overall, these drawbacks are relatively minor compared to the many benefits. With proper planning and infrastructure, the power dependency and scalability challenges can be effectively managed. The reliability, security, and coverage advantages of DECT phones often outweigh these minor advantages, making them a popular choice for business communications.
Can you use DECT phones on VoIP systems?
DECT is a common system to use alongside VoIP technology. Many businesses have switched to VoIP due to older technologies becoming redundant, lacking in features, and the BT switch off. VoIP allows you to use a wide range of outlets to make calls from, including computers, mobile apps, VoIP handsets, as well as DECT phones that are VoIP compatible. Using a DECT phone over VoIP gives you the simplicity, flexibility, and reliability of DECT with the cost efficiency and added features of VoIP. You can read more about what sort of features can be included in VoIP systems here.
Where Can You Buy A DECT Phone System?
Many high street retailers sell cordless phones straight out of a box. Whilst this might be a cheap and easy way to get a DECT system at your business, it’s unlikely to provide the quality service you expect. The base station of a standard out-of-the-box DECT phone has a limit on how far it can send a signal. Outside of this area you will experience crackling on the line or calls cutting out completely.
A telecoms provider, on the other hand, will install a business-grade DECT system. These are designed to cover larger areas and the handsets have a significantly longer talk-time between charges. Here at Yo Telecom, we use base stations at specific points of your building to ensure you get a cordless connection, no matter where you are on site. Not only that, all of our systems come with a 100% coverage guarantee too.
Our packages also come with full staff training and 24/7 technical support included as standard. Interested in getting a DECT phone system set up for your business? You can learn more about the features of a Yo Telecom system here, or just drop your details in the form below and we’ll be in touch!Â
