Abstract: A telephone includes an EEPROM memory (26) for storing data, and a microcontroller (14) for controlling operations. The EEPROM (26) contains data for different operating protocols, so that the telephone can be readily adapted for use in different telephone systems. The EEPROM (26) draws a (small) line current when the telephone is in use, but requires no current to maintain its memories, so no standby power is required. Particularly if the telephone is for use in noisy environments, there can a mute/boost feature (30) whereby the receiver gain is boosted and the microphone is simultaneously cut off. This may be effectuated by use of the EEPROM (26).