Basics of a multiline cordless phone system

Written by Steven Bryan

As your business grows and matures, it may be time to cut the cord–the telephone cord. A multiline cordless phone system gives your employees several useful functions and features without tying them down.

A plug-and-play phone system

The heart of a multiline cordless phone system is the base station, which plugs into an existing phone jack. This equipment contains one corded handset and can be placed in a common area, such as a reception area or lobby.

A phone system like this also supports cordless handsets, which can be operated within up to about 100 feet of the base station. Each cordless phone has an individual charging station that's plugged into any convenient AC outlet; the unit always is charging when not in use. A multiline cordless phone system can handle as many as five separate calls at once.

Multiline cordless phone system features

Besides portability, cordless phones also contain other useful functions and features:

• Individual voice mail. Most cordless systems will route a caller to voice mail when an employee is away from their desk or out of the office.
• Multifunction keys. The handsets contain hold, redial and transfer buttons. Your staff also can have three-way phone conferences with clients.
• Caller ID/call waiting. A staff member can see who is calling their extension and, while they are speaking with one client, the system will identify other callers trying to reach them.
• Internal memory. A multiline cordless phone system also keeps track of the phone numbers of the last several callers. It even allows you and your staff to store frequently called phone numbers in its internal memory.
• Battery backup. The base station uses a battery backup that kicks in during a power failure, making it useful during bad weather or other emergencies.
• Intercom. The cordless handsets act as mini-intercoms, allowing you to page an employee if they are away from their desk.

A two-line cordless phone system costs approximately $200, which is well suited for a home-based business. An expandable, four-line system costs around $500, making it an ideal choice for a small office. Some base stations will broadcast to as many as eight separate handsets.

Don't let your phone interfere with business

Cordless phones are functional and convenient, but they also broadcast on radio frequencies that are subject to interference. When shopping around for a multiline cordless phone system, make sure to look for a unit that transmits on a frequency other than 2.4 gigahertz, which is used by several wireless toys and appliances. A phone that broadcasts on 5.8 gigahertz should provide clear reception.

5.8 gigahertz phones are also less likely to cause interference with wireless Internet connections – but it's not unheard of. Make sure you test the phones' impact on your wireless network, if applicable.

Find the best sources for multiline cordless phones with BuyerZone: fill out a free request for quote form and we'll match you to qualified dealers in your area.