Does DECT Forum certification replace RED radio certification?

No. DECT Forum certification is an interoperability and profile conformance programme maintained by an industry consortium, distinct from regulatory radio obligations. A DECT product must obtain both DECT Forum certification (interoperability for the ULE, CAT-iq or NR+ profile) and RED article 3.2 compliance in the EU on the basis of EN 301 406 and EN 301 908, or equivalent national radio compliance in other markets.

What is the difference between classic DECT and DECT-2020 NR+?

Classic DECT refers to the original family defined by ETSI EN 300 175, dedicated to residential and professional cordless telephony, with the ULE profile for low-data-rate IoT use. DECT-2020 NR+ is a new radio interface defined by ETSI TS 103 636, recognised by the ITU as a member of the IMT-2020 (5G) family in October 2021, designed for IoT and industrial deployments with native mesh. Both families use the same band but are not interoperable on the air interface.

Is the DECT Forum a Notified Body in the RED sense?

No. The DECT Forum is a private industry consortium based in Berne, Switzerland, that maintains interoperability profiles (ULE, CAT-iq, NR+ IoT) and operates a voluntary certification programme for its members. It has no Notified Body status under Directive 2014/53/EU. RED compliance is established separately, usually through self-declaration against harmonised standards.

What is the value of the ULE profile compared with Bluetooth or LoRaWAN for IoT?

ULE (Ultra Low Energy) operates in the DECT band 1880-1900 MHz in Europe, allocated exclusively to DECT and therefore less congested than the consumer-shared ISM bands. This allocation reduces interference risk compared with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi in the shared 2.4 GHz ISM band. The ULE profile suits home sensors (alarms, openings, thermostats) with indoor range typically greater than Bluetooth.

Which ETSI standards cover DECT radio testing?

EN 300 175 (multi-part) describes the PHY, MAC, DLC and network layers of classic DECT. EN 301 406 is the historical harmonised standard under RED for DECT transmitters, supplemented by EN 301 908 for certain configurations. EN 303 636 is the harmonised standard covering DECT-2020 NR+ radio for RED article 3.2 compliance. The technical specification of NR+ itself is carried by ETSI TS 103 636 in several parts.

Is the DECT band the same worldwide?

No. The main allocation is 1880-1900 MHz in Europe (CEPT) and across much of Asia and Africa. In the United States and Canada, the DECT 6.0 band (UPCS) is 1920-1930 MHz. Other countries use nearby sub-bands, and some Asian markets impose specific channel plans. Any multi-market deployment requires systematic verification of the local allocation and a per-market radio re-test.

Is a new certification required to move from classic DECT to DECT NR+?

Yes. Both families share the band but rely on different PHY and MAC layers and on distinct test dossiers. A product certified for classic DECT against EN 301 406 does not cover NR+ compliance against EN 303 636, and vice versa. DECT Forum certification is also separate, with profiles and interoperability programmes dedicated to each family.

Do ULE and CAT-iq cover the same use cases?

No. CAT-iq (Cordless Advanced Technology - internet and quality) is the voice and wideband audio profile for residential and professional DECT handsets, with levels 1.0 to 2.1 depending on features (HD audio, multi-line, data). ULE is a low-data-rate, low-power IoT profile, designed for sensors and actuators, and it does not interoperate with CAT-iq. A hybrid product must declare and test both profiles separately.

DECT Forum: certification of classic DECT and DECT NR+

Author Hugues Orgitello Last updated 27 May 2026 ~13 min read

Guide · DECT Forum

DECT refers to a family of short-range wireless radio technologies long associated with residential cordless phones. Under the authority of the DECT Forum, an industry consortium based in Berne, the technology has extended its reach with the ULE profile for low-data-rate IoT, and more recently with a new DECT-2020 NR+ radio interface recognised by the International Telecommunication Union as a member of the 5G IMT-2020 family. This page sets out the role of the DECT Forum, distinguishes classic DECT from DECT NR+, details the certified profiles (ULE, CAT-iq, NR+ IoT), positions consortium certification against RED radio compliance, and lists the recurring pitfalls of a DECT certification programme.

The DECT Forum, role and scope

The DECT Forum is an industry consortium formed in the 1990s to federate stakeholders around DECT technology, then developed by ETSI. It brings together telecom operators, terminal manufacturers, chipset vendors, IoT integrators and test laboratories. Its registered office is in Berne, and its statutes make it a Swiss-law association. Three missions structure its activity.

Maintenance of interoperability profiles. The DECT Forum publishes and maintains the CAT-iq profiles for voice, ULE for IoT, and NR+ IoT for the new generation. These profiles build on ETSI specifications but add stricter interoperability constraints than the standard itself.
Certification programme. The Forum operates a voluntary certification programme for its members, based on interoperability and profile conformance testing. Certification is carried out in laboratories accredited by the Forum (Authorized Test Labs).
Regulatory representation and promotion. The Forum represents the DECT ecosystem before regulators (ITU, CEPT, FCC), carries spectrum allocation evolution requests, and coordinates communication on IoT and 5G uses of DECT.

Unlike Notified Bodies under the RED, the DECT Forum has no regulatory power. Its certification has contractual and commercial value: it authorises use of the DECT, ULE and NR+ marks, and assures integrators that terminals interoperate correctly. It never substitutes for national radio certification, which must be established separately on the basis of harmonised standards.

A family of technologies, a single band

All technologies under the DECT umbrella share a key feature: a dedicated, licence-light frequency band. This sets DECT apart from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which operate in ISM bands shared with many other consumer technologies, and gives it a lower interference profile in most domestic and professional environments.

The main spectrum allocation is detailed further below. The key point here is that classic DECT, ULE, CAT-iq and DECT-2020 NR+ coexist in the same 1880-1900 MHz band in Europe, using time-division multiplexing on 1.728 MHz channels for classic DECT and adapted numerologies for NR+.

Classic DECT versus DECT-2020 NR+

The most structurally important distinction in the current DECT landscape is between the classic family and the NR+ next generation. The two families coexist and will continue to coexist for years, but they rest on distinct technical foundations.

Classic DECT

Classic DECT refers to the technology defined by ETSI EN 300 175 (multi-part), published from 1992 and regularly updated. It describes:

A GFSK physical layer at 1.152 Mbit/s on carriers spaced 1.728 MHz apart.
A TDMA/TDD MAC layer organised in 10 ms frames divided into 24 slots.
A voice-oriented network layer, with handover and local roaming between base and handset.
A Generic Access Profile (GAP) that anchors multi-vendor interoperability for handsets.

Several application profiles have been built on top of this baseline:

CAT-iq. Modern voice profile, levels 1.0 (HD audio), 2.0 (multi-line, data), 2.1 (advanced services). Targets residential handsets and professional bases.
ULE (Ultra Low Energy). Low-data-rate, low-power IoT profile aimed at home sensors and actuators. ULE defines extensions to classic DECT to lower terminal power in sleep mode.

DECT-2020 NR+

DECT-2020 New Radio (NR+) is a full redesign of the radio interface, defined by ETSI TS 103 636 in several parts (Part 1 to Part 5 across revisions). Published from 2020 onwards, it brings:

An OFDM physical layer with multiple numerologies and support for 1.728, 3.456, 6.912 and 13.824 MHz channels depending on deployment.
A native mesh architecture with multi-hop routing and redundancy, distinct from the classic base-handset model.
A target of massive and industrial IoT: sensors, actuators, automation, latency-tolerant critical applications.

NR+ was recognised by the ITU-R as a member of the IMT-2020 (5G) family in October 2021, making it one of the officially recognised 5G radio interfaces alongside 3GPP 5G NR. This recognition positions DECT as a non-terrestrial 5G radio option for private IoT deployments.

Comparison table

Criterion	Classic DECT (EN 300 175)	DECT-2020 NR+ (TS 103 636)
Initial publication year	1992 (multi-part, continuous updates)	2020 (TS 103 636 Part 1)
ITU recognition	ETSI standard, deployed worldwide	IMT-2020 (5G) family, recommended by ITU-R
Physical layer	GFSK, 1.152 Mbit/s, 1.728 MHz carriers	OFDM, multiple numerologies, configurable BW
Architecture	Base-handset, local handover	Native mesh, multi-hop routing
Target	Cordless voice, low-data-rate IoT (ULE)	Massive and industrial IoT, non-terrestrial 5G
Typical band (Europe)	1880-1900 MHz	1880-1900 MHz
RED harmonised standard	EN 301 406, EN 301 908 (depending on profile)	EN 303 636
Main interop profile	GAP, CAT-iq, ULE	NR+ IoT profile (still evolving)
Air-interface interoperability	Only with other classic DECT equipment	Only with other NR+ equipment
Consortium certification	DECT Forum, historical programme	DECT Forum, dedicated NR+ programme

The two families are not air-interoperable. A classic DECT handset will not communicate with an NR+ base, and vice versa. This separation is structural, not a configuration choice. A hybrid product must embed both stacks and both profiles, which few modules currently support.

Profiles certified by the DECT Forum

The Forum's certification programme is organised by profile. Each profile has its own test reference, its own interoperability requirements and its own mark.

CAT-iq

CAT-iq (Cordless Advanced Technology - internet and quality) is the voice and wideband audio profile for modern DECT handsets. It is defined at several levels:

CAT-iq 1.0. Wideband HD audio (G.722), extended display, basic features. Targets residential handsets.
CAT-iq 2.0. Multi-line (up to six bases), application data, inter-base call transfer.
CAT-iq 2.1. Advanced services for professional bases, push-to-talk, messaging integration.

CAT-iq certification ensures that a handset from one vendor interoperates with a base from another vendor for the declared features. It is a major procurement criterion for telecom operators distributing residential boxes with third-party handsets.

ULE

ULE is the low-data-rate IoT profile dedicated to home sensors and actuators. It extends classic DECT with:

Long sleep modes to reduce battery-operated terminal power consumption.
An application protocol, HAN-FUN (Home Area Network Function), that structures object types (door sensor, smoke detector, switched outlet, etc.).
ULE Alliance certification, historically affiliated with the DECT Forum, guaranteeing multi-vendor interoperability.

ULE is deployed in residential and professional alarm systems, telemonitoring installations and some home automation solutions. Indoor range is generally greater than Bluetooth, thanks to the lower frequency and the power level allowed in the DECT band.

NR+ IoT

The NR+ profile for IoT is under construction. The DECT Forum is rolling out interoperability and certification programmes progressively as vendors deliver their first NR+ chipsets and modules. Initial target use cases include:

Private industrial IoT on sites with large sensor populations.
Long-lifetime mesh applications (smart metering, asset tracking).
Non-terrestrial 5G deployments in dedicated configurations, without connection to a public 5G core.

NR+ certification differs from classic DECT certification through its test tools, its specific ICS and the absence of air-interface backward compatibility. Authorized Test Labs equipped for NR+ remain limited in number through end of 2025.

Profile summary

GAP (Generic Access Profile): voice interoperability baseline for classic DECT. Practically universal on handsets.
CAT-iq 1.0 / 2.0 / 2.1: modern voice and wideband audio profiles.
ULE: low-data-rate, low-power IoT profile, based on classic DECT.
HAN-FUN: application protocol above ULE, structuring object types.
NR+ IoT: IoT profile for DECT-2020 New Radio, still evolving.

Band allocations by region

Spectrum allocation is one of the most delicate points of an international DECT programme. The band is not globally aligned.

Region	Main DECT band	Status	Notes
Europe (CEPT)	1880-1900 MHz	Dedicated allocation, licence-light	CEPT ERC/DEC/(94)03, applied in 48 countries
Asia (broad majority)	1880-1900 MHz	Similar allocation	National conditions vary
Africa (broad majority)	1880-1900 MHz	Similar allocation	ITU-aligned, some countries use a sub-band
United States (DECT 6.0)	1920-1930 MHz (UPCS)	FCC dedicated, licence-exempt	FCC Part 15 Subpart D
Canada	1920-1930 MHz	Aligned with the US	RSS-213 standard (ISED)
Latin America	Country-dependent	1880-1900 or 1920-1930	Check local regulation
Japan	1893-1906 MHz (PHS heritage)	Specific	Partial DECT compatibility, own channel plans
South Korea	Historically 1786-1792 MHz	Specific allocation	DECT 6.0 (1920-1930) introduced for some uses

This dispersion imposes a per-market radio re-test for practically every international DECT product. A 1880-1900 MHz DECT module cannot be sold in the United States as is: a UPCS 1920-1930 MHz variant is required, materially distinct (RF filters, oscillator, calibration). DECT Forum certification is itself distinct depending on the target profile (DECT EU, DECT 6.0 US).

Licence-light, dedicated, lower interference

The shared feature of all these allocations is their dedication to DECT. No other consumer commercial technology operates in 1880-1900 MHz in Europe or in 1920-1930 MHz in the United States. This dedication has two main practical consequences:

Interference risk from other technologies is low. That is an asset for critical uses (alarm, medical alert) where link robustness outweighs throughput.
Use is licence-light: no individual licence is required, but the equipment must conform to ETSI or FCC standards and be certified under the applicable national rules.

This band quality explains DECT's persistence against Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pressure in the home, and underpins part of the NR+ value proposition for industrial IoT.

Articulation with the RED

In the European Union, DECT radio falls under Directive 2014/53/EU (RED), whose article 3.2 requires efficient use of spectrum.

The applicable harmonised standards cover radio testing:

EN 301 406 is the historical harmonised standard for classic DECT equipment. It covers power, spectral occupancy, out-of-band emissions and in-band coexistence.
EN 301 908 covers the radio testing of some cellular equipment and base stations, and applies partially to certain DECT configurations (notably professional infrastructure).
EN 303 636 is the harmonised standard dedicated to DECT-2020 NR+, published as part of the RED's coverage of the new generation.

For other RED articles:

Article 3.1(a), health: typically covered by EN 62479 for low-power devices or EN 62311 depending on the configuration.
Article 3.1(b), radio EMC: covered by EN 301 489-6 for DECT equipment in general.
Article 3.3, cybersecurity: from August 2025, EN 18031 applies to internet-connected radio equipment and toys, which typically includes DECT/IP gateways and ULE IoT sensors connected to a hub.

DECT Forum certification does not replace any of these strands. See RED pillar for the general framework and conformity assessment routes.

Self-declaration or Notified Body

Most classic DECT and NR+ products can be self-declared under the RED when they fully apply the relevant harmonised standards. Involvement of a Notified Body is required when the manufacturer chooses not to apply those standards or when part of the assessment departs from them, for example for a non-standard radio configuration. See self-declaration vs Notified Body for the detail of assessment routes.

Articulation with other regimes

FCC in the United States

In the United States, DECT 6.0 (1920-1930 MHz) is regulated by 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart D (Unlicensed Personal Communications Services). Any DECT 6.0 equipment placed on the US market must obtain an FCC ID issued by a TCB on the basis of a dossier conforming to the applicable KDB. See FCC pillar for the process.

PTCRB and cellular operators

DECT is not a cellular technology and does not fall under PTCRB or operator programmes (Verizon OPC, AT&T NRB). Multi-radio products (cellular + DECT, for example a residential 4G/5G box integrating DECT for handsets) must obtain both certification families in parallel. See PTCRB pillar for the cellular side.

Comparison with other consortia

The DECT Forum's logic resembles that of other radio consortia:

The Bluetooth SIG (see guide) operates a brand and interoperability certification for Bluetooth.
The LoRa Alliance operates an interoperability certification for LoRaWAN devices.
The Wi-Fi Alliance operates the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED programmes.

All share the same architecture: a voluntary consortium certification that complements, but never replaces, national radio regulatory compliance.

DECT Forum certification process

The DECT Forum certification process typically runs through several stages, applicable to the CAT-iq, ULE and NR+ profiles with variants.

Joining the DECT Forum. The manufacturer joins the consortium, which opens access to profile specifications, test plans and the submission portal.
Profile and version identification. Select the target profile (CAT-iq 2.0, ULE HAN-FUN, NR+ IoT) and the applicable version. Verify that embedded chipsets and modules support the profile at the target version.
Technical documentation preparation. Write the ICS (Implementation Conformance Statement) and the other required documents, listing the profile features the product implements.
Internal pre-testing. Verify DECT product behaviour on an internal bench, ideally against an already certified reference device. Identify gaps before external testing.
Testing at an Authorized Test Lab. Entrust testing to a laboratory accredited by the DECT Forum for the target profile. The list is public on the Forum's website. Testing covers interoperability, radio conformance to ETSI or TS specifications, and error case handling.
Submission to the DECT Forum. File the complete dossier (ICS, test reports, profile declaration of conformity) on the Forum's portal.
Review and publication. The Forum reviews the dossier, may ask for additional input, then assigns a certification identifier and publishes the product on the public list of certified products.
Mark usage. Once certification is obtained, the manufacturer may use the DECT, ULE or NR+ logos according to the certified profile, under the conditions of the Forum's brand book.
Maintenance. Any hardware or firmware change with DECT impact (radio, stack, profile) typically triggers a review and a partial re-test.

This sequence runs in parallel with RED radio certification (EU) or FCC (US). Harmonised radio testing does not cover the Forum's interoperability testing, and vice versa.

Common pitfalls

Confusing classic DECT with DECT NR+

This is the most structuring pitfall at the scoping stage. An industrial IoT project aiming for 5G benefits (throughput, mesh, latency) cannot rely on classic DECT even with ULE. Conversely, a residential alarm project seeking dedicated-band robustness and a mature ecosystem gains from staying on classic DECT + ULE rather than targeting NR+ which is still thinly deployed. The decision is made at specification time, on features and certified module availability, not on the 5G label.

Overlooking band allocations outside the EU/US

Manufacturers often focus their effort on the European 1880-1900 MHz band, assuming it will cover most markets. This is broadly true for Asia and Africa, but false for the United States (1920-1930 MHz) and for some specific Asian markets. A distinct hardware variant is required, with its own national radio certification dossier and its own DECT Forum DECT 6.0 certification.

Confusing ULE with CAT-iq

An IoT product certified ULE does not handle CAT-iq voice, and vice versa. This separation is structural. A hybrid product (for example a voice handset with IoT capability) must declare and test both profiles separately. The confusion leads to underestimating the testing scope and to late discovery that the product does not conform to the announced profile.

Underestimating the ICS

As with Bluetooth SIG, the ICS drives test case selection. A sloppy ICS leads to a rejected dossier or to wasted testing. Conversely, an ICS declaring features that are not implemented generates failures during testing. Writing it is an engineering task, not a paperwork exercise.

Treating consortium certification as sufficient

The symmetrical pitfall to Bluetooth: some manufacturers assume DECT Forum certification suffices for regulatory compliance. It has no standing under the RED or under FCC regulations. Without national radio certification, the product cannot be placed on the market even if ULE- or NR+-certified by the Forum.

Forgetting article 3.3 cybersecurity

Since August 2025, internet-connected radio equipment falls under RED article 3.3, which typically includes DECT/IP gateways, ULE hubs connected to a cloud, and NR+ gateways toward a private core. Compliance against EN 18031 is required and forms a distinct dossier, often underestimated in planning.

Not anticipating NR+ lead times

The NR+ ecosystem is young. Equipped Authorized Test Labs are few, test tools are evolving rapidly, and the Forum's first NR+ certification programmes are still being rolled out. Counting on NR+ lead times comparable to those of mature classic DECT certification is generally unrealistic in 2025-2026.