What is Spread Spectrum?

Sometimes referred to as digital spread spectrum (DSS) or spread spectrum technology (SST), this technology enables the cordless phone system to switch rapidly from one frequency to the next. The changes in frequency are random and it is nearly impossible for someone to eavesdrop or jam the signal. DSS has been recently combined with digital technology for very effective prevention to eavesdropping and noise reduction. If your neighbor has the same brand cordless phone,

A spread spectrum cordless telephone provides:

Longer range – Power is what gives a cordless phone the long range. Due to higher transmitter power (1 watt) allowed by the FCC, you can expect 7 to 8 times the range of cordless 43-49 MHz telephones, and about 3 or 4 times the range of a analog or digital 900 MHz cordless telephone. The 900 MHz phones all have a better range due to the wavelengths being shorter -- shorter waves are easier to bounce off objects. However, only the DSS versions of the 900 MHz cordless telephones can use the full one-watt of transmitting power. The normal digital and analog versions of 900 MHz have a lower power limitation.

Best sound quality - DSS signal avoids interference and noise from other signals. Older 43-49 MHz cordless phones had only 25 channels and are very susceptible to interference. 900 MHz analog phones still suffer from the interference problems of any analog cordless telephone. Also older models can be heard on inexpensive radio scanners or your neighbor's same-brand cordless telephone. A DSS phone is much less susceptible to signal fading which makes the reception of these types of cordless phones much less sensitive to the location and pointing direction of the handset than that of a conventional lower-power analog cordless telephone.

Highest security - Due to digital transmissions and constantly changing frequency channels in use, only the matching receiver has a copy of the pre-assigned spreading code. Millions of scrambling codes are available and are selected automatically when the headset is lifted from the cradle. Common radio scanners cannot hear a DSS cordless telephone conversation.