Store-One Guide to Phones and Headsets

Welcome to the Store-One Information Resource on Phones, Phone Systems, and Headsets

Cordless / Wireless Frequency

900 MHz

One of the more popular frequencies used for cordless phones and wireless headsets is 900 MHz. Devices that operate at this frequency have good long-range performance and are generally very cost effective. A lower frequency will usually provide a better range because the signal's wavelength is longer and can travel around obstructions better.

2.4 GHz

Many newer cordles phones and wireless headsets use the 2.4 GHz frequency because this frequency provides extremely clear cordless reception at the longest ranges possible. Also because this frequency is newer, it is less crowded, less likely to have interference and generally includes more security technology. One caveat here is that many wireless computer and Internet devices use this frequency.

5.8 GHz

The new 5.8 GHz cordless phones offer the latest in cordless telephone technology with the best clarity and range. The biggest advantage to a 5.8 GHz phone is that its frequency band has less traffic than the 2.4 GHz band, resulting in less interference and better security.

DECT (1.9GHz)

DECT is another new phone technology to consider. DECT stands for “Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephony”, which is a type of wireless technology used in cordless telephones, wireless headsets, and even wireless offices and homes. DECT is a digital wireless technology that is now being adopted increasingly worldwide. This technology originated in Europe and it is a radio-access technology. It includes enhanced security and, since it is a dedicated voice-only frequency band, there should be no interference from or with other non-telephony devices.

Bluetooth™

Bluetooth is a wonderful new wireless technology using short-range radio links that promises to eliminate the cables and wires that currently connect most computing and communications devices. The Bluetooth chip takes the information normally carried by the cables or wires, and transmits it at a special frequency to a receiver Bluetooth chip, which then passes the information received to the device.

Aside from the sheer joy of eliminating wires and connecting disparate devices wirelessly, Bluetooth includes the ability to transmit both data and voice communications, and the ability to send information to more than one device at a time. Combine that with the ability to automate setup and configuration of devices and low power consumption, and you see why Bluetooth is becoming more and more popular.

Most Bluetooth devices in use today are "Class 3" devices, which have an effective range of 10 meters (about 33 feet). There are some Bluetooth "Class 1" devices which have a longer range (up to 300 feet), but these are pretty much not in use with telecommunications equipment. Although GN Netcom Jabra is introducing such telephone devices in 2008.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology found in many of today's electronic devices including computers, headsets, cell phones, and more.  However, please note that Bluetooth devices do not all work in the same way.  One Bluetooth device may not work with another (such as a Bluetooth phone with a Bluetooth computer, a Bluetooth headset with a Bluetooth music device, etc.) This is because there are a number of Bluetooth profiles, and not all devices use the same profiles. 

What's the Best Choice for You?

Before purchasing a new cordless phone or wireless headset, you will need to decide what factors are most important to you. If you just want a basic cordless phone that's inexpensive, then the lower frequency phones should work fine. However, if your needs include better security, clearer phone calls, or increased phone range then you will want to consider purchasing higher frequency devices.

In theory, a 900 MHz phone should work better at distances than a 2.4 GHz phone. However, this isn't always so. If a cordless phone is used in your home or office, then obstacles such as equipment, walls and doors obstruct the path and prevent signals from traveling as well as they could in a less densely occupied area. The fewer obstructions there are, the easier it is for signals to avoid being deflected and find the reception antenna.

Another factor to keep in mind is security. As technology advances, so do ways to take advantage of that technology. Cordless telephones and headsets are really just small radio transmitters and receivers, so if you use a cordless phone with poor security, then it's relatively easy for someone to tune in and hear your entire conversation. My neighbor has a basic police/emergency scanner and told me that he could hear all of my calls on my cordless phone. This made me aware that everyone else could as well and was the reason I switched from 900 MHz cordless phones to encrypted 2.4 GHz cordless phones. Most inexpensive radio scanners can access the 900 MHz frequency. So, if security is important to you, and you don't want the entire neighborhood to be listening in on your drug deals, you probably want to avoid most 900 MHz devices.

On the other hand, even the pricier scanners can't cover the 2.4 GHz frequencies and security technologies used by the newest, most advanced cordless phones and wireless headsets. Many use security systems such as frequency hopping where the sender and receiver periodically skip to different frequencies. This makes it very difficult to tune in to a converstion. So if security is a concern, then you definitely want to get a cordless phone or wireless headset with a higher frequency, as well as encryption, frequency hopping, and other security technologies.

DECT is a significant new cordless phone and wireless headset technology and we would expect to see widespread adoption of DECT for cordless and wireless telephony devices. You should certainly consider it for your next cordless phone or wireless headset.

Bluetooth is also an excellent technology for mobile phones and cell phone headsets. Since most Bluetooth headsets are class 3 devices with about a 10 meter range you shouldn't need to worry about security when talking on a Bluetooth headset. However, if you happen to notice someone in dark glasses and a black trenchcoat hanging within 10 or 20 feet of you, you should probably end your call, or at least stop talking about illegal stuff.