FAQs
A FRITZ!Fon has more functions than a normal phone. You can make calls with all phones, but with a FRITZ!Fon you can also control your FRITZ! Smart Home and use additional convenience features. For example, you can also view pictures and videos on the FRITZ!Box media server, play podcasts, and read emails.
A cordless landline phone works like a wired analogue phone, only that the connection is established via radio waves rather than the phone cord. Cordless phones are connected with a router or phone system via DECT radio. There is no wired connection between the phone and base station, so that phone can be used anywhere in the reception area of the base station. All communication takes place wirelessly and encrypted via the radio connection, without any bothersome cords.
There will certainly continue to be landline phones in the future. Even if the increasing proliferation of smartphones and mobile flat-rate contracts mean that ever more calls are made directly with the mobile phone, landline phones continue to offer several advantages. Since seamless mobile reception is still not available everywhere, some rural areas still tend to favour stable landline telephony. Today's landline phones also offer ever more functions that extend well beyond pure telephony.
The range of a landline phone connected via DECT radio depends on the wireless environment. However, DECT radio is relatively interference-free and high-range. With a FRITZ!Fon, for instance, a range of up to 40 meters indoors and up to 300 meters outdoors can be reached under ideal conditions.
For wired phones, the range depends on the length of the cord. For ISDN phones, the cable can be up to 10 meters long, and some analogue phone models have cords up to 100 meters long.
A landline phone is independent from the kind of internet connection. The only thing that's relevant is the connection from the phone to the router or phone system. Depending on the phone model, the connection can be via cable (analogue, ISDN or LAN phone) or wireless (DECT or Wi-Fi phone). As long as the router or phone system provides sufficient sockets for the cords, or a has a DECT or Wi-Fi base station integrated, the phone can be connected and used to make calls.
What is a landline phone?
A landline phone is a phone used to make calls via the internet connection. This differentiates landline phones from mobile phones, whose telephony runs over the mobile network connection.
Landline phones are connected with a router or phone system and can then use phone numbers that are supplied along with the internet connection by the provider. Beyond this, today's landline phones can do more than make phone calls, as the scope of functions continues to grow. They offer access to various services and functions in the home network – you can, for instance, control smart home devices or switch Wi-Fi on and off.
Does a classic home phone still make sense today?
Yes, a home phone still makes sense today. First of all, not everyone has access to a mobile phone for calls, and mobile reception is not available everywhere. Second, modern home/landline phones offer functions that go well beyond just telephony. These reasons make a wired or cordless phone a practical device for various applications in the home.
- as a replacement or complement to the smartphone – for more stable telephone connections and better speech quality
- as a shared phone for the entire family – everyone can be reached, even if, for instance, the children do not have their own smartphones
- for convenient use while working from home – with the familiar functions like call waiting, routing, and three-way calls
- for the elderly or disabled – with simple operation and compatibility with hearing aids
- for controlling and using services in the home network – as a remote control for the smart home and for media playback
What differentiates modern cordless phones from previous models?
Modern cordless phones offer a wider spectrum of functions than previous models. The improved hardware and software in modern landline phones allow for greater convenience during phone calls, seamless integration into the home network, and additional functions well beyond telephony.
Modern phones can be used not only to make calls, but also to switch devices in the smart home or listen to internet radio.
Modern landline phones' cordless connection via DECT radio does away with bothersome cords. In contrast to older wired models like analogue or ISDN phones, cordless phones can be used flexibly and are mobile even during a phone call.
What to watch out for when purchasing a phone
When purchasing a landline phone, make sure that the phone is compatible with your router and supports all desired functions. To purchase a phone that matches your needs, request information from manufacturers about the functions offered and the requirements for use. Many modern phones realize their complete potential only when the phone and router or phone system come from the same manufacturer.
A FRITZ!Fon can be operated on any DECT base station that supports the common DECT GAP standard. This guarantees that the connection and phone calls work smoothly.
In connection with a FRITZ!Box, a FRITZ!Fon offers comprehensive telephony and convenience functions:
- high voice quality thanks to HD telephony
- clear display with practical information including caller images and display of town and country
- direct access to call list, phone book and answering machine
- tailored settings with individualized ringtones, background images and start screens
- simple configuration and operation thanks to an intuitive menu structure
- flexibility through cordless connection, hands-free speaking function and use with headset
- high security thanks to encrypted DECT voice transmission
- support for practical telephony functions such as call waiting, internal calls and quick-dial numbers
- long battery and call time thanks to energy efficiency and DECT Eco
- simple control of smart home devices
- fast access to email, RSS feeds, web radio, podcasts and the FRITZ!Box media player
- free updates with new functions and improvements
- high-quality manufacturing for long-lasting quality and a pleasant feel
