One of the great things about cordless phones is that you can add extra handsets to your system. Many let you use up to six handsets with a single base- perfect for larger households. But one question that many customers ask us is: can you mix and match different handsets?
A Gigaset Handset With A Different Base?
In particular, we’ll be looking at whether or not you can use a Gigaset handset with a different Gigaset base, or even one from a completely different manufacturer. In short, the answer is yes- sometimes. Assuming that both the base and the handset use DECT and GAP to connect to each other, then they should be able to function together.
That being said, they may not work together perfectly. While making calls and other basic features should work fine, you may find that more advanced features do not. In particular, accessing an integrated digital answering machine, or a shared phonebook, may not be possible.
Just What Is DECT, Anyhow?
DECT, or Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, is a standard used for the design and manufacture of cordless telephones. DECT has long been the standard across Europe for cordless phones, as well as some other types of wireless communications devices such as two way radios and baby monitors. The precise way that it works isn’t especially relevant here. What’s important is that it’s a standard which is followed by every manufacturer
Using a standard method of communication is what allows bases to support multiple handsets. It also means- in theory at least- that handsets of a different brand or model should work with that same base. Unfortunately, though, things aren’t quite as simple. There’s also something called a Generic Access Profile- or “GAP” for short. This is a set of requirements within the DECT protocol which allows any cordless phone to interact with any base.
The Limitations of GAP
However, there are limitations to GAP. Since it is primarily used for allowing phones to place calls, it doesn’t allow for the full feature set of the phone to be used. Some models may work as intended. For example, if a new model is almost identical to its predecessor, then you might find that it can access the shared phonebook from the older phones. In general though, this is unlikely- more often than not, you’ll just have access to the basics.
If you really want to get the most out of your cordless phone system, then it’s probably best to use it as the manufacturer intended. That means only connecting up handsets of the same model. That way, you can be sure that every feature is fully functional and works as intended on all your handsets.
In Conclusion
So, in theory at least, Gigaset handsets can be used with a different base. However, you may find that while they are okay for making calls, you can only access the answering machine and other additional features from the handset which came with your base station. To get the most out of your cordless phones, we’d recommend that you stick to just one model, and purchase additional handsets of that model if you need to expand your setup.