Cordless Phone Problem - Can't Figure it Out!?

Question

The cordless phones in my house have horrible reception. Sometimes, when I answer certain phones, I hear the loudest static - I mean, it hurts my ear! But it doesn't happen all the time, and doesn't happen on every phone. Also, certain phones work in certain rooms, but when you walk into a different room, it's static.

Some basic info for you: All the phones are the same - Uniden 5.8 ghz. We have a wireless internet connection, not on the same frequency. We have cable, not a dish. And we cannot get cell phone reception in the home. We just moved into this house in October and have had the phone problems ever since we moved in.

I was just going to buy new phones, but I have no idea if new phones will fix the problem. It seems like it may be something interfering in the home.

Any advice?

Answer 1

You may also consider contacting the phone company and have them come out and check the lines.  It's possible there could be a tree limb on the line, water in the line or it may not be making a good connection to the telephone box whether it's on your end or there's.

Answer 2

If your handset has a CHANNEL (or CHAN) button, press it in order to improve the sound quality. You may need to press the CHANNEL button more than once.

The handset may be out of range. Try moving closer to the base. The handset(s) and base can only communicate over a certain distance which can vary with their placement, the weather and the operating environment of your home/office.

If you subscribe to DSL service for this telephone line, DSL filters must be plugged into EVERY phone jack that has a phone. The DSL signal can cause static/noise, squealing (similar to fax tones), caller ID disruption and other issues on your line. DSL filters block the high frequency DSL signals from being transmitted to the telephone. If you are not using the DSL filters provided by the telephone company, this will cause static/noise and possibly caller id issues on your phones.

In most cases, we recommend you connect the plug end of the DSL filter into the telephone jack, then connect a telephone cord between the filter and your phone.

Please contact your service provider to obtain DSL filters and installation information.

A low battery pack may affect the sound quality. You may need to charge the handset. Also, try repositioning the handset against your ear until the sound quality improves.

Electronic products (i.e., 802.11 wireless networks, radios, radio and pager towers, cell phones, intercoms, room monitors, televisions, personal computers, kitchen appliances and other cordless phones) can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices.

Appliances or other cordless phones plugged into the same circuit as the telephone base can cause interference. Try moving the appliances or telephone base to another outlet.

Microwave ovens may operate on the same frequency as your telephone. You may experience static on your telephone while the microwave oven is operating. Do not install your cordless telephone in the same outlet or near the microwave oven.

Disconnect the telephone base from the modular jack and plug in a corded telephone. If calls are still not clear, the problem is probably in the wiring or local service. Contact your local service company (charges may apply).

If your phone shares a power outlet with a modem, or if it is plugged into a shared surged protector, try plugging in the phone (or modem/surge protector) at a different location. If this solves the problem, relocate your phone and modem farther apart from each other, or use separate surge protectors.

The layout of your home or office may be limiting the operating range. Try moving the base to another location, preferably a higher location for better reception. If your telephone base has an adjustable antenna, ensure it is pointing up.

Answer 3

Maybe the batteries are low.

Answer 4

Switch to corded phones. (They work during blackouts!)

Answer 5

get a corded phone