Checklist for Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS)

No significant benefits Minor benefits Major benefits
No significant benefits Minor benefits Major benefits

Display
There is a high contrast display
There is a socket to allow the connection of an external display
There is a synthetic speech alternative to the visual display
There is a tactile display
The visual display of text is legible
There is a large character display
There is a text send display
VDU text is adjustable

Handset
The handset is easy to grip
The handset is lightweight
The handset has a plug connection
The handset is of an ergonomic design
The earpiece is large enough and shaped to cover most of the ear
There is a facility for an additional earphone

Hearing aid
A hearing aid can be coupled to the telephone
There is hearing aid compatibility

Keys/Keyboard
The keys are enlarged
The keys are guarded or recessed
The keys incorporate tactual feedback
There is audible confirmation of a key press
There is a displayed indication of the number dialled
Key pressure can be adjusted
The keypad is not in the handset
An additional keyboard can be connected
The telephone uses a standard key layout
There is tactual marking on the '5'
There is a text send keyboard
The keys are marked in a large clear typeface
Speech-input keying is provided

Volume/Amplification
There is a facility for microphone amplification
The receiver amplification can be increased by at least 20dB
The pitch of the ringer can be adjusted
The ringer volume can be adjusted
The sidetone level can be adjusted
There is a visual ringing signal

Other features
Coupling to a computer is possible
There is a dial-out buffer memory
The telephone can be operated hands-free
The telephone has a non-slip base

Back to Plain Old Telephone Systems