A Brief History of Cordless Phones.
- 1980 -
The first cordless phone was introduced, operating on the 27MHz frequency.
Utilizing a limited
number of channels, 27MHz phones experienced significant interference,
static and security
problems, and range was less than 100 feet.
- 1986 -
The Federal Communications Commission granted the frequency range
of 47-49MHz
specifically for cordless phones, which helped reduce interference.
Range and clarity were still
lacking, however, and users were required to stand or sit still to
talk on the phone.
- 1990 -
The Federal Communications Commission opened the 900MHz frequency
to accommodate the
increased number of cordless phone users. The higher frequency allowed
for greater clarity,
range and channel selection, although prices for the technology breakthrough
soared to about
$400.
- 1994 -
The first digital cordless phones were introduced, still operating
in the 900MHz frequency.
Digital phones helped to reduce eavesdropping and increase security.
- 1995 -
Digital Spread Spectrum (DSS) technology was introduced for cordless
phones, enabling voice
data to “frequency hop,” or transmit in pieces over several
frequencies between the receiver and
the base. DSS made eavesdropping almost impossible.
- 1996 -
Caller ID features were first introduced on cordless phones, which,
along with other innovative
features, helped to increase demand for cordless phones even more
than DSS technology.
Prices began to drop dramatically.
- 1998 -
The Federal Communications Commission made the 2.4GHz spectrum available
for cordless
phone users. This frequency provided increased range for cordless
phones – up to 2,200 feet –
and even greater security, as it is outside the range of radio scanners.
- 2000 -
DSS cordless phone prices dropped to below $100 for the first time.
- 2001 -
The Federal Communications Commission made the 5.8GHz frequency band
available for
cordless phone users. 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz phones can operate on up to
100 channels,
providing unsurpassed clarity.
- 2002 -
Eighty-one percent of U.S. households have cordless phones, with an
average of 1.5 cordless
phones per home, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.
- 2002 -
In October, Uniden introduced the first true 5.8GHz cordless phone
which both transmits and
receives signals on the 5.8GHz frequency, thereby enhancing clarity
and enabling superior
audio quality.