NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, has announced the launch of the company’s first dual-mode DECT cordless phone to support both landline phone calls and Skype™ Internet calls. The NETGEAR Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype (SPH200D) base station simultaneously connects to a user’s home network router and phone line wall jack enabling users to place and receive both traditional phone calls and Skype Internet calls from a single cordless handset without the need to be connected to a computer. The SPH200D is currently available for distribution across the Middle East through Dubai-based Ashley LLC, one of the main distributors of NETGEAR products in the region.

The Skype Certified™ SPH200D incorporates DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony) technology, which utilizes the 1.9GHz band enabling the cordless phone to avoid interference from WiFi networks to provide longer range and ensure crystal clear voice quality. The Cordless Phone Base Station, which supports up to four handsets, saves consumers money and eliminates clutter by enabling users to improve the quality of their traditional telephone service and add the cost-saving benefits of Skype Internet calling by simply replacing their current cordless phones throughout the home.

“Skype users have been traditionally tethered via a headset to the computer in order to place and receive calls from their Skype friends, so if they’re not in front of the computer when a friend wants to talk, they miss the call,” explained Ahmad Zeidan, Channel Sales Manager, NETGEAR Middle East. “With NETGEAR’s innovative handset, consumers can now leverage their existing broadband Internet connection required for Skype and a steady range of wireless coverage to make affordable calls from any room in the house," he added.



Using the SPH200D, Skype users no longer have to be in front of the computer to communicate for free with other Skype users around the world. The SPH200D handset, which provides Skype users with an easy-to-use interface to manage contact lists and view the status of other Skype users, also enables users to make and receive calls from traditional phones worldwide through SkypeIn™ and SkypeOut™, Skype’s cost-saving premium products.

"The SPH200D simultaneously supports both traditional telephony services and Skype Internet calling, eliminating the possibility that a user might miss either Skype or traditional phone calls. In addition, we’ve incorporated DECT technology into the cordless phone to improve the range and enhance the audio quality. The SPH200D is an ideal voice communications system combining the convenience and familiarity of the traditional phone service with the cost-savings that Skype provides to keep users in touch with friends and family worldwide,” concluded Zeidan.


NETGEAR® (Nasdaq: NTGR) designs technologically advanced, branded networking products that address the specific needs of small and medium business and home users. The Company's product offerings enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, digital multimedia content and applications among multiple personal computers and other Internet-enabled devices