deCT

DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. It is a standardized technology for cordless voice and optional data communications over short ranges, commonly used for cordless telephones in homes and small offices. Developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in the 1990s, DECT defines the radio interface, signaling, and higher-layer protocols that connect handsets to fixed base stations, which in turn link to a wired network.

DECT typically operates in a dedicated 1.9 GHz region, with regional allocations such as 1.88–1.90 GHz in Europe and 1.90–1.93 GHz in North America (the latter marketed as DECT 6.0). The air interface uses digital modulation with time-division duplex and supports multiple channels and many handsets. Security features include encryption of voice and data. The system supports seamless handover between base stations, allowing a handset to move within a building without dropping the call.

The Generic Access Profile (GAP) provides a baseline, enabling interoperability between DECT devices and different manufacturers’ base stations. Beyond traditional telephony, DECT has expanded into data and home automation through profiles such as DECT ULE (Ultra Low Energy), aimed at low-power devices and sensors.

DECT remains widely deployed for consumer cordless phones and office systems, and continues to evolve with new profiles and regional regulations. It competes with other short-range wireless technologies, but its design emphasizes reliability, range, security, and efficient power use for battery-powered devices.