DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) devices have been approved for use in the 1920 to 1930 MHz band here in the United States. Great, what the heck is DECT? Well, basically, DECT devices like a wireless phone allow users to travel pretty far (300 meters or so outdoors) from their base. These phones are said to use a wide variety of technologies such as VOIP (voice over IP) and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) to provide clear communications at great distances. The cool part is, Linksys is scheduled to release a Skype DECT phone here in the next week. The phone comes with a handset, USB base that connects to your internet connected computer, and a charger. It allows users to make Skype (a free VOIP service) calls, manage other Skype contacts, and can also use Skype’s premium services like voicemail.

While this is pretty cool, and a great device for dorks like me that use a VOIP phone, the new wireless phones (aka cell phones) that are coming out are slated to include VOIP functionality as well as their normal GSM and TDMA functionality. What does all of that mean? Well, that your cell phone will be able to connect to an available WiFi (aka Wireless network) to make free or very low-cost VOIP (voice over IP) phone calls.