use traditional mobile (cellular) phone networks. These most commonly use digital technologies like DECT, 2.4 GHz unlicensed spectrum, or 802.11a/b/g standards-based wireless LAN technology. The cordless phone handset must connect to a wireless access point or base station that supports the same technology. Also required is a call management function and a gateway to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This may or may not be integrated in the base-station. A Voice over IP service can be used by phones that use wireless data access points, thus using a broadband Internet connection to defer the connection to the PSTN to a remote gateway operated by the service provider, close to the call's destination. Analog equivalents do exist and can provide longer reach, but with potential loss of confidentiality and voice quality. Most digital systems have inherent encryption or offer optional encryption. Health and safety Unlike wired telephones that are powered from the telephone company's central station batteries, a cordless phone base station required electrical power to operate. During a power interruption, the cordless base station will not be operable, while wired sets may continue to operate. See also Carterfone Fixed-Mobile Convergence Alliance Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) in Japan and China Spread spectrum References Patents Patents Link External links Review of Frequency Allocations for Cordless Telephones Carterphone Decision How Cordless Telephones Work Information about Digital Spread-Spectrum cordless phones Telephony equipment Consumer electronics American inventions Telecommunications-related introductions in 1965 1965 in technology Products introduced in 1965 Projects established in 1965