We covered the problems with DECT cordless phones last year.  This technology is now the main one being used on most cordless phones in the US. 5.8Ghz cordless phones have faded away. There are issues with these DECT phones constantly transmitting even when not in use. It is especially concerning if you put a cordless handset next to your bed.

The Siemens Gigaset SL785 DECT cordless phone was the first to address the issues.  You can also reduce the transmitting power of the Gigaset SL785’s base station by 80% simply by selecting the ECO Mode. It has an energy saving ECO Mode Plus for 100% reduction of transmitting power when the handset is idle or charging.

See how much radiation is coming from a DECT phone.

Siemens now has a family of ECO DECT cordless phones, so be sure to check these out when shopping for a new cordless phone.  Most are available outside the US. The Gigaset SL785 is available from Amazon for sale inside the United States.  The other manufacturers like Panasonic do not even mention these issues.  When in doubt, use a corded phone.

Note that Baby Monitors have the same issues.

Have a cell phone? Thought so…

Xtreme Technologies Bluetooth Gateway helps you dump your landline phone line and use your cellular phone at home. It connect your cell phone to a standard phone line jack using Bluetooth. Save money and consolidate bills using this beast.  Position your cell phone and this box in the optimal area for cell phone reception in your home and you are set. Beware of the cell phone radiation warnings that have been posted.

Vtech makes a DECT cordless phone with the Bluetooth built in but no where does it state that it is a eco friendly green DECT phone like the Siemens SL785, that does not radiate constantly.

Siemens has their new and Green Gigaset SL785 DECT cordless phone shipping this month.  You can also reduce the transmitting power of the Gigaset SL785’s base station by 80% simply by selecting the ECO Mode. It has an energy saving ECO Mode Plus for 100% reduction of transmitting power when the handset is idle or charging.  The energy-saving power supply of the Gigaset SL785 uses up to 60% less energy.

We covered the problems with DECT cordless phones last year. Finally they are being somewhat addressed.

Did you know that (DECT) 1.9Ghz digital cordless phones emit the same type of pulsed microwave radiation (about 1.8 GHz) as ordinary (GSM) cell phones.  Emissions can be about 6 V/m within a metre of the base unit, for as long as it is plugged in. Companies push these phones because they do not interfere with Wifi networks. Many base stations emit their radiation even when the phone is not in use! Microwaves are continuously emitted 24 hours a day as long as they are plugged in.  Not good. Details – More Warnings. – “DECT cordless phones work at a fixed power. Mobiles turn their power down to the lowest level possible, so when you are near a base station this can be much lower than a DECT cordless. DECT pulses are far more aggressive than for mobiles.”

Only the 3rd generation DECT models will not emit radiation continuously. These new models also adjust their power output depending on how far away the base station is from the handset. We could not find US cordless phone models that mention this issue. This is a big deal in Europe.

If you have an old DECT phone, you may want to upgrade. We use 5.8Ghz phones to avoid this issue. Amazon still sells a bunch of 5.8Ghz cordless phones.

If you really want to be ‘safe’, ditch the cordless phone and use hardwired phones.

Baby monitors are now using this DECT technology, so beware.