DECT: the ideal telework access technology

The paper proposes the Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard as not just the ideal wireless telework access technology, but as the ideal telework access technology. The paper describes the features and capabilities of DECT and explains how it provides fully integrated voice/data services with full support for the IT requirements of teleworkers. It also reports on the activities of ETSI STC RES-03 to standardise DECT access to voice, ISDN, GSM, LAN, Fax, modem, X.25 and other voice/data services. The paper then discusses how a DECT infrastructure for teleworking may be provided and it shows how teleworking in rural and/or remote areas can benefit from DECT technology through the use of DECT based radio in the local loop (RLL), neighbourhood telepoints and through a novel deployment method based on existing analogue PSTN wiring. To assess the real benefits, or otherwise, of teleworking via DECT, the paper discusses the social and work implications to the teleworker, the relationship to the fixed office environment and the cost implications