As a member of the DECT Forum, the international association of vendors and operators of DECT equipment, systems and networks, Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices plays a major role in driving the development of new Cat-iq technology. This new wireless technology builds on DECT and unites telephony and the Internet, enabling a whole array of new functions for end-user devices within the telecommunications market. CAT-iq was premiered at the ITU Conference in Hong Kong . The first products from Siemens are planned for mid-2007.

Network providers, vendors and end customers alike can profit from CAT-iq, the uniform IP-based standard for all voice, data and entertainment services. It ensures compatibility among end-user devices and as a result provides greater functionality.

“CAT-iq opens up many new opportunities for us as a market leader in DECT cordless phones,” says Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices. “It enables attractive Internet applications on Gigaset cordless phones, including music, Internet radio and the use of an online directory.”

“Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices is one of the technology leaders in CAT-iq and a major driver of the new standard,” noted Erich Kamperschroer, Chairman of the DECT Forum.

CAT-iq offers cordless broadband access to the Internet for telephones and portable devices at home. It also allows the integration of mobile services via the IMS standard (IP Multimedia Subsystem). The home of the future will need only a single gateway for telephony, Internet and entertainment services. Installation and maintenance by a service provider will be almost completely automated.

Because CAT-iq is based on the proven DECT standard, it has all the advantages of DECT including good voice quality and enhanced security. It operates on its own frequency band and is therefore free from interference. Consequently the technology is very reliable, low-cost and stable in price.