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What is a DECT Phone System?

DECT phone system
Derek O'Carroll

Derek O'Carroll

Sales Director

A modern phone system makes it easier to stay connected to your customers. Whilst those who handle calls used to be tied to a desk with a corded handset, DECT technology makes communication far more flexible. DECT phone systems have all of the features of any other business phone system, they just also allow the user to walk around the building during calls. In this article we will cover what DECT is, how it works as well as its benefits for business owners…

What is a DECT phone?

DECT stands for Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephony. It is a wireless digital technology that allows you to make and take calls using a cordless telephone handset. DECT phones come with a base/charging unit that the wireless handset sits in until you need to use it, enabling you to walk and talk or use the handset in another room. These cordless handsets are a popular choice in busy business environments such as hotels and restaurants where the users may need to walk around whilst on a call.

DECT Phones
A range of DECT phones from leading suppliers

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. Then, 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 WiFi or Bluetooth.

These days, DECT devices need to be 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.

A lot of businesses expect their handsets to be wireless now – but when DECT started, most phones still had to be physically connected to socket in the wall or on a switch or adapter. Work started in the 1980s and the original DECT standard was first published in 1992. It was developed by the European Telecommunications norms Institute( ETSI) and was soon being used by manufacturers around the world to give a simple, dependable, and affordable cordless phone option.

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 of DECT phones:

  • Long range (up to 50 m indoors, up to 300 m outdoors)
  • Protection against interception
  • Energy-efficient
  • Great sound quality
  • Versatile application

Are There Any Disadvantages Of This Technology?

The minor disadvantage of DECT phones is that, just like a mobile, they need to be charged. To charge them, simply put them back on the base station when they’re not being used. For example, at the end of the day. The charging times vary by handset, but if you have more than one you can simply rotate between them and see minimal disruption to your team. 

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 DECT 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 DECT system here, or just drop your details in the form below and we’ll be in touch! 

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