Cordless Phones, the phones of choice

There are a wide range of alternatives when it comes to cordless phones and with all the numbers, specifications and claims floating about, it can be confusing. With cordless phones, range is the only important number. That being said, most people seldom take a cordless handset more than 20 feet from its base. 100 feet will take you far beyond most homes, and a football field is just 300 feet long... yet lots of people are asking for phones that can go a mile. You may even hear about cordless phones that can reach 30 miles or more. They are illegal to use in the United States.

Let’s start the discussion with some basic science: With all else being equal, radio transmissions with higher frequencies, have a shorter range than lower frequencies.

That's why UHF (ultra high frequency) TV stations don't reach as far as VHF (very high frequency) TV stations; and why FM stations (transmitting in the 88 - 108 megahertz band) don't reach as far as AM stations using the 540 - 1600 kilohertz band. Don't believe advertising claims about 2.4GHz cordless phones providing extra long range. However, 2.4GHz cordless phones may be better able to penetrate dense walls than 900MHz phones.

Starting in 2004, you can expect to see cordless phones that operate in the 5.8GHz band, from many phone makers. This new higher frequency is not likely to provide important performance advantages. That said, 5.8GHz has a couple of real advantages: it won't pick up interference from microwave ovens, and won't cause interference with wireless networks or security systems.
 
Here are some general tips to remember:


When you move around while using an analog cordless phone, near the end of its range, you will probably hear a "fluttering" sh-sh-sh sound. In the same conditions, while using a digital phone, you will probably hear clicks. Near the range limit of any cordless phone, slight movements and changes in position can make a big difference in performance.
 
If you put your head between the handset and the base, you may lose the signal, but if you turn to let the handset be in line-of-sight with the base, it may work just fine.

Dense vegetation limits range, and wet leaves are worse than dry leaves

Broadleaf trees (hardwoods such as oak, maple and birch) limit range more than conifers (softwoods such as pine, fir and cedar).

If you can get the base up high, you will probably get more range.

 

At the end of the day, almost any modern cordless phone, except for obvious junk, can provide decent voice quality a hundred feet from the base -- more than enough for most users cordless phones are generally able to maintain an existing conversation at a greater distance than they are able to start a conversation, and can ring at greater distances than they permit talking.