If you've never heard of a long-range cordless phone, you might be missing out on the best phone solution for your needs. Many people are electing to cancel home phone service and exclusively use cell phones, but that's not necessarily the right solution for everyone. Would you benefit more from a cell phone or a long-range cordless phone?
Where Do You Want to Take Your Phone?
The question of cell phone versus long-range cordless phone really comes down to what you want to do with your phone. Are you looking for a phone you can take with you wherever you go, or a phone for use primarily in your home? A long-range cordless phone gives you the flexibility of using it in your yard, or even walking down the street to pick something up from the local convenience store.
Some long-range cordless phones support distances from 5 to 50 miles, although the practical distance varies depending on the terrain and other interference. Hills and closely spaced concrete or masonry buildings will cut down on a long-range phone's distance. So will high-tension electrical wires or radio transmitters near your home.
If your use is concentrated in an area close to home, a long-range cordless phone is perfect. If you want a phone you can take with you when you travel, a cell phone provides that extra flexibility.
How Long Do You Talk?
The limiting factor for most cell phones is the number of minutes included in your plan. Nights and weekends give you an opportunity to talk without worrying, but who really wants to wait until late at night to chat with friends and family? If you intend to spend a lot of time talking, a long-range cordless phone gives you the freedom of not having to worry about how many minutes you use.
Long-range cordless phones are also an ideal choice for a home-based business, because you won't have to worry about using cell minutes. A good long-range cordless phone provides good signal quality, and you won't have to worry about dropped calls. Both of these features will help you present a professional face to your clients.
Cordless Phone Disadvantages
The quality and practical usability of long-range cordless phones varies by manufacturer and model. If you want to get the most use out of your cordless phone, check product reviews and compare user opinions with manufacturers' specifications. Take product information with a grain of salt, as manufacturers' specifications are based on ideal conditions, which are rarely attainable in real-world applications.
Cordless phones are also tied to your home phone service. If you want to use a long-range cordless phone, you have to plug the base station into a regular wall outlet with active phone service. While you don't have to worry about minutes, you do need to consider long-distance charges and evaluate the cost of your monthly service. Compare those costs with the monthly charge for a cell phone to determine the least expensive option.
 | You can choose cordless phones that will reduce or eliminate radio interference. |
 | Almost all of the cordless phone frequencies are subject to some level of interference from other devices. Fortunately, new frequency hopping technology will help you enjoy reduced interference and clearer calls. |
 | Deciding whether or not to replace cordless phone batteries depends largely on the age of your phone. In some cases, you'll be better off putting that money toward a newer cordless phone. |
Knowing how to install a phone jack can reduce the amount of cord running all over your house and can save you money. |
Learn how to locate and minimize sources of radio interference in your home. |
