Abstract: An antenna internally contained within a housing of a cordless telephone is configured generally as a plate disposed opposite the earphone transducer, and away from the user's face in position for normal use. The antenna is disposed to lie generally vertically, and is counterpoised against a generally vertically disposed circuit board. Configuring the antenna generally as a plate and placing it outboard away from the user's face minimizes detuning effects during normal handling in use. Optional side extensions to the plate increase the antenna capacitance. An optional counterpoising shield may be interposed between the receiver-transducer and the antenna plate to further minimize detuning effects. Mode switches are disposed in a position on the handset remote from the antenna to further minimize detuning effects during switching operations.