Abstract

A cordless telephone having a base unit and a separate handset unit is operable in an intercom mode in which operators at the two units are in telephonic communication. If an incoming telephone call appears when the telephone is in the intercom mode, the loudspeaker of the handset unit and a ringer of the base unit both produce a ringing sound to announce the call. When one unit is then disabled by the operator thereof hanging up, the other unit is automatically connected to the telephone network line to receive the incoming call. The handset unit produces the ringing sound from its loudspeaker at a first volume when it is disabled and in a standby mode, and at a second lesser volume when it is enabled and in the intercom mode to avoid producing a loud ringing sound directly into the ear of the handset operator.