Abstract: In a code division multiple access (CDMA) cordless telephone system, CDMA telephone signals are exchanged between a basestation and an operating mobile cordless telephone handset. An upstream signal transmitted by the operating handset is detected at a detection location remote from the basestation by a signal recognition unit, which processes the detected upstream signal to recognize whether the handset is authorized, in which case an identification signal identifying the operating handset as being at the location and as being authorized is transmitted through a signal conduit to the basestation.