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Deciding between DECT and Wi-Fi for your business?Keeping your mobile workforce connected is essential in today’s fast-paced business world. But traditional cellular networks often fail indoors, causing dropped calls and frustration. This is where DECT and Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) come into play. We’ll break down these wireless communication technologies to help you decide which best fits your mobile team’s needs. 

DECT: A Reliable Choice for Dedicated Communication 

DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) offers a dedicated wireless network specifically designed for business environments. It operates on a separate frequency band from Wi-Fi and cellular networks, providing several key advantages for voice communication. 

DECT offers exceptional call quality, even in environments with spotty Wi-Fi coverage or those that are susceptible to interference, such as concrete structures. And, DECT uses dedicated encryption, minimizing the risk of signal eavesdropping for secure communication.  

DECT systems also easily scale with your business. With multi-cell DECT systems, you can add or remove cells as your workforce grows or shrinks. This flexibility ensures uninterrupted communication while keeping costs in check. 

Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi): Leveraging Existing Infrastructure 

Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) leverages existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to enable voice calls and messaging on Wi-Fi-enabled devices. This technology routes calls to a Wi-Fi network – traditionally used for data transmission – instead of your phone service provider’s network.  

This can be a convenient and cost-effective mobile communication option for businesses with robust Wi-Fi coverage throughout their facilities. Converging voice and data on a single network allows businesses to get the most out of their Wi-Fi investment rather than implementing and operating a separate voice network. 

Making the Right Choice:  

So, which technology is best? It truly depends on your specific business needs. Consider: 

  • Legacy Systems: If your business relies on existing DECT infrastructure, transitioning to VoWi-Fi might not be cost-effective, whereas if you have a strong Wi-Fi network in place already, Vo-Wi-Fi is a strong option. 
  • Building Size and Style: DECT may offer superior coverage and reliability for large campuses, especially those with concrete walls that can weaken Wi-Fi signals. 
  • Mobile Staff Needs: DECT might be sufficient for staff primarily needing voice communication and basic text messaging. However, mobile workers who need access to more data might struggle with the limitations of a DECT handset. If staff heavily relies on applications and data transfer, VoWi-Fi is the better choice, especially if your Wi-Fi network is robust and reliable.  
  • Security: Open Wi-Fi can be more vulnerable to security breaches, so if security is your number one concern, DECT may be your best option. 

Cut the Cord, Not the Connection  

At Spectralink, we’re not just about phones; we’re about fueling human connection. We offer industry-leading DECT and Wi-Fi solutions to fit your unique needs, whether you prioritize rock-solid reliability or budget-friendly flexibility. Whether you choose DECT or Wi-Fi, we’ve got deployment, troubleshooting, and solution management covered for your entire fleet with AMIE®, our mobile analytics superhero. 

Ready to unlock the full potential of your mobile workforce? Contact Spectralink today for a free consultation. Our expert team will help you choose the perfect solution to revolutionize your mobile workforce! 

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