DECT Frequencies, Channels & Frequency Bands

Although the DECT standard specifies the frequency bands for DECT usage, there are different band allocations globally because of spectrum usage.

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The DECT channel frequencies most commonly found between 1880 - 1900 MHz. This allocation was defined in the original standard and is the band that is normally accepted for this form of cordless phone technology.

As can be imagined, it is not always possible to reserve the same band of frequencies globally and therefore there are some differences according to the country in which the DECT phones are used. The different settings are determined during manufacture and the phones shipped accordingly.

Typical DECT phone on a desk

DECT frequency bands

This DECT frequency allocation is the most widespread and used in Europe. This DECT spectrum is unlicensed and technology exclusive, and this ensure ensures almost interference free operation. The use of these DECT frequencies allocated on a primary basis contributes to the very high spectral efficiency of the technology.

The bands 1900 MHz to 1920 MHz and 1910 MHz to 1930 MHz are also in common use as DECT frequencies in many countries outside Europe. In the US the DECT frequency allocation is 1920-1930 MHz. This is known as UPCS band. However this DECT frequency allocation is not an exclusive frequency allocation, but it is generally sufficiently free of other users to achieve similar interference-free operation.

Channel spacing is typically 1.728 MHz.

DECT Frequency Bands
 
Frequency Band Countries & Details
1880 – 1900 MHz Europe, South Africa, much of Asia, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand (10 channels)
1786 – 1792 MHz Korea (3 channels only)
1880 – 1895 MHz Taiwan (8 channels)
1893 – 1906 MHz Japan (J-DECT)
1910 – 1920 MHz Brazil (10 channels)
1910 – 1930 MHz Much of Latin America excluding Brazil.
1920 – 1930 MHz USA & Canada

The DECT frequency allocations in Europe of 1900 - 1920MHz are shared with shared with UMTS TDD, while the DECT frequencies between 1920 - 1980 are shared with shared with the uplink of UMTS FDD.

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