
Combined Cordless Telephone & Digital Answering Machine
User Guide
This equipment is not designed for making emergency telephone calls when the power 
fails. Alternative arrangements should be made for access to emergency services.
Freestyle 1050

Please open this page for an ‘at a glance’ 
guide to your Freestyle 1050.

Please open this page for an ‘at a glance’ 
guide to your Freestyle 1050.

1
Ta lk
Press to get a dialling tone and to
end a call.
See page 8
Channel
Enables you to change the
channel if there is interference
on your call.
See page 9
P
Inserts a pause when dialling
a number.
See page 11
Recall
For use with some
BT Select Services and when
connected to a switchboard.
See page 11
Quickdial memory
Allows you to store and dial up to 
10 numbers in the memory.
See page 9
Battery charging contacts
Place handset face down on the
base to charge the batteries.
Aerial
Does not extend.
See page 5
In Use / Battery Low
Comes on when the handset is in 
use or, if the handset is on 
standby, to indicate the battery 
needs recharging.
Secrecy / Screen
For Secrecy: when pressed 
during a call, the caller cannot 
hear you. 
For Screen: allows you to hear a 
caller leaving a message through 
your handset. You can then 
choose to take the call or not. 
Also operates the answer 
machine functions.
See page 9, 18
Keypad
Redial
Redials the last number called.
See page 8
At a glance
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1471
To set the 1471 call return 
feature on or off.
See page 18
Quickdial reference label
Lists the names of up to 10 numbers
stored in the quickdial memory.
See page 10
Volume
Adjusts the loudspeaker volume.
See page 14
Page
Lets you page the handset.
(Useful in finding a misplaced
handset.)
See page 11
Skip
Switches message alert On/Off.
Lets you skip forward and
backwards through your messages.
Sets Answer delay.
See page 14, 16, 17
Answer On/Off/Stop
Switches the answering machine 
on and off, and stops playback of
messages when in Answer 
Machine mode.
See page 13
Microphone
For recording your OGM and 
memo messages.
Battery charging contacts
Base unit aerial
Extend fully for best reception.
See page 7
OGM
Used when recording and 
playing back your own outgoing 
message.
See page 13
VIP
Automatically alerts you to your 
most important callers.
See page 19
LEDs
CHARGING – comes on when
the handset battery is being 
charged.
Play/Memo/Pause
Used when playing back 
or pausing messages and 
when recording memos.
See pages 15, 20
IN USE
– comes on when the
line is in use.
BATT LOW – comes on when the
answering machine back-up 
battery needs replacing.
Delete
Deletes recorded messages and 
memos.
See page 13, 16
F1050
Volume
OGM
147 1
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Answer
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Memo
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3
In this guide
At a glance 1 
Introduction 4 
Setting up 5 
Using your Freestyle 1050 
telephone 8
Making and receiving calls 8 
Using the memory to store 
and dial numbers 9
Using your Freestyle 1050 
answering machine 12
Outgoing messages 12 
Message display 12 
Incoming messages 14 
Answer delay 17 
Call screening 17 
Using the 1471 feature 18 
Using the VIP feature 19 
Memos 20 
Operating your answering machine
from the cordless handset 21
Remote access 23 
Help 27 
Technical information 30 
Maintenance 32 
Wall mounting 34 
Index 36

4
Introduction
Your Freestyle 1050 is designed for ease of use and made to the high 
standards set by BT
Thank you for making the right choice. You can 
expect your Freestyle 1050 to provide many years 
of quality service. Please read the instructions 
carefully before use and keep this user guide for 
future reference.
For your records
For warranty purposes, proof of purchase is 
required, so please keep your receipt.
Emergency calls
The emergency services can be contacted in the 
UK by dialling 
999 or 112.
As the Freestyle 1050 is a mains-powered 
cordless telephone, in certain situations you may 
not be able to make an emergency call:
• If there is severe radio interference.
• If the handset batteries fail.
• If there is a power cut.
Date of purchase:
Place of purchase:
Serial number: 
(on the underside of the base unit)
Purchase price:
If your Freestyle 1050 is connected to a PBX 
(switchboard), you may have to dial an access 
number before 
999 to contact the emergency
services.
Unpacking your Freestyle 1050
Check that your Freestyle 1050 is complete. 
When you unpack you should have:
• Freestyle 1050 handset including 
rechargeable battery
•Freestyle 1050 telephone 
answering machine
• Mains power lead with 
attached 13 amp adaptor plug 
•Wall-mounting bracket, 
two screws and wall 
plugs for wall mounting
Customer Helpline
If you have problems with your phone, call the
Freestyle 1050 Helpline Service on 0845 758 5589
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F1050
Volume
OGM
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Answer 
on/off 
Play
Memo
mic

5
Setting up
Follow these steps to get your Freestyle 1050 ready for use
3
Insert a new PP3 9V alkaline 
back-up battery in the base unit
2
Check your telephone socket
1
Handset aerial
The back-up battery is available separately and 
ensures your Freestyle 1050 retains messages, 
settings and stored phone numbers if there is a 
mains power failure. If no battery is installed, 
the 
BATT LOW light comes on when the mains
power is switched on. 
In the event of a power failure the back-up
battery will last for up to 6 hours.
Your Freestyle 1050 uses a compact aerial which 
does not pull out.
If you do not have a modern-style telephone 
socket, call Freefone 0800 800 150 and ask for 
a BT engineer to come and fit the correct socket.
This is a chargeable service.
SETTING UP
✖

6
Mains power adaptor
The Freestyle 1050 must only be used with the 
adaptor supplied.
Using any other adaptor will invalidate the approval
given to this apparatus.
When fully charged and in good condition, 
the handset battery will provide up to 6 hours
continuous talk time or 72 hours standby.
If the handset battery is running low, the 
BATTERY LOW light will flash every 10 -15 seconds. 
If you are making a call and the handset 
battery is running low, the phone will beep every 
10 -15 seconds.
Place the handset on the base unit to recharge.
6
Charge the handset battery for at
least 12 hours
When you first use your Freestyle 1050, the 
rechargeable batteries in the handset need 
charging for 12 hours. 
Place the handset on the base unit face down, 
ensuring the contacts are touching. 
The 
CHARGING light on the base unit comes ON.
After the handset has been charged for 12 hours, 
your phone is ready for use.
As a rule, placing the handset on the base unit 
overnight will keep the batteries fully charged 
for all normal use.
The 
CHARGING light remains on until the
handset is removed from the base unit.
SETTING UP
4
Plug the mains adaptor cord into
the back of the base unit
5
Plug the 3 pin adaptor into the
mains power socket and switch on
To prevent the cable being pulled out by 
accident, route it through the channel on the 
underside of the base.
Electrical storm warning
During periods of electrical storm, you are 
advised to disconnect your apparatus because 
damage may occur.
If a fault occurs during the 12-month warranty 
period and it is due to accidental or wilful damage
(including lightning and electrical damage), 
BT will not replace or repair free of charge.
Your Freestyle 1050 begins the set up procedure. 
– the message counter flashes ‘
–
–
–
’. 
– the message counter then flashes 0. 
– the pre-set outgoing message is ready to use.
12V AC
PHONE LINE

7
Your Freestyle 1050 works by sending and 
receiving radio signals between the base unit 
and the handset. 
The strength of the signal depends on where 
you site the base unit and how the aerial is 
deployed. 
The higher the base unit is located, the better. 
An upstairs room is ideal. The following points 
should be considered:
• It should be within easy reach of a mains 
socket and a telephone socket. A new-style 
telephone socket is needed for this product. 
If you do not have one, call us on Freefone 
0800 800 150.
• Try to avoid locations near metallic obstructions 
or electrical appliances, such as TV sets, 
fridges, computers, fluorescent lights, radiators, 
metal pipes and metal window frames.
• The Freestyle 1050 can be wall mounted by 
using the bracket and screws supplied; see 
page 34.
Your Freestyle 1050 is now ready for use
SETTING UP
Battery Care
Batteries cannot be overcharged. However, leaving 
the handset on the base unit all the time can 
deteriorate rechargeable batteries. To get the longest 
possible life from your batteries, take the handset off
the base for a few hours each day.
For the best reception
Try to avoid putting the telescopic aerial near other
electrical appliances, fluorescent lights and large
metallic objects such as cookers, radiators and garage
doors as these may cause interference and reduce the
quality of your calls.
7
Plug your Freestyle 1050 into the
phone socket
8
Fully extend the telescopic aerial
on the base unit
9
To plan the location of the
base unit

8
Using your Freestyle1050 
telephone
Making and receiving calls
The handset range is up to 200 metres from the 
base unit in ideal conditions. If you start to go 
out of range while using the phone, you will 
hear warning beeps. If you do not come back in 
range, your call will be cut off.
To make a call
Press buttons in order shown
Lift the handset off the base 
Press the 
TALK button. The handset
IN USE light comes on. The base unit
light flashes. Listen for dial tone.
Dial the number.
To end a call
Press the TALK button.
Or
Replace the handset on the base.
To receive a call
When the phone rings:
If your handset is on the base unit, 
simply pick it up to answer the call.
Or
If your handset is off the base, press the
TALK button to answer the call.
USING YOUR PHONE
To redial the last number
You can redial a number of up to 32 
digits long. 
Press the 
TALK button. You hear the
dialling tone.
Press the 
REDIAL button. The last
number you called is redialled.

9
If you go out of range
Your Freestyle 1050 has a range of 200 
metres under ideal conditions.
However, if you go out of range during 
a call, you will hear a series of beeps, 
Move closer to the base to re-establish 
the signal.
Using the Secrecy button
You can prevent your caller from 
hearing you while you talk to someone 
else close by.
Press the 
SECRECY button. A beep is
heard and the 
IN USE light flashes.
Your caller cannot hear you until you 
press the 
SECRECY button again.
USING YOUR PHONE
To ensure the best sound quality
Your Freestyle 1050 automatically 
scans available radio channels between 
the handset and base for the best quality 
signal. However, if you hear noise or 
interference during your call:
Press the 
CHANNEL button.
Your Freestyle 1050 will select a new 
channel for you.
To store a number in the memory
Press buttons in order shown
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button. You hear 
a beep and the 
IN USE light begins to
flash.
Press one of the 
0-9 buttons to set the
location code under which your phone 
number will be stored.
DIAL Dial the number you want to store.
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button. You hear
a confirmation beep. The number is 
stored.
Repeat these steps for any other 
numbers you want to store, using a 
different 
0-9 location code for each one.
Storing a number in the memory 
automatically overwrites any 
previous number stored under the 
same location code.
Stored numbers can include those for 
switchboard and network services 
that use the 
✱
and #buttons as well as
the PAUSE and RECALL functions.
Using the memory to store 
and dial numbers
Your Freestyle 1050 handset can store up to ten 
separate phone numbers, each up to 16 digits 
long. You can then dial each number by pressing 
just two buttons.

10
USING YOUR PHONE
To dial a stored number
Press the TALK button.
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button 
Press the 
0-9 location code under
which the number you want is stored. 
The number is dialled automatically.
Did you know?
You can mix manual and memory dialling as 
required. For example, you can dial the area code
0181 380 from the memory and then complete the
number manually.
NOTE
Keep a note of your stored numbers on the Quickdial
reference label on the base unit.
To store a number of more than 
16 digits
Press the QUICKDIAL button.
Press one of the 
0-9 buttons to set the
location code under which your phone 
number will be stored.
DIAL Dial the first 16 digits.
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button. You hear
a confirmation beep. The number is 
stored.
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button again.
Press a different 
0-9 button to select a
second location code under which to 
store the remaining digits.
DIAL Dial the remaining digits.
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button. You hear
a confirmation beep. The rest of the 
number is stored.
To dial a stored number of more 
than 16 digits
Press the TALK button.
Press the 
QUICKDIAL button, then the
first 
0-9 location code number. The
number begins dialling automatically.
When the first part of the number has 
been dialled, press the 
QUICKDIAL
button again, then the second 0-9 
location code number. The rest of the 
number is dialled.

11
To insert a pause
To use the recall button
With some switchboards, after dialling 
the access code you may have to wait 
for a moment while the switchboard 
picks up an outside line. If so, press 
the 
PAUSE button to insert a 2.5 second
pause before keying in the telephone 
number.
This button signals Timed Break 
Recall only. If you are connected to a 
PBX (Private Branch Exchange), 
contact your PBX supplier for further 
information.
To page the handset
If you misplace the handset, you can 
use 
PAGE to find it again.
Press the 
PAGE button on the base.
The handset will beep. The 
IN USE light
on the base flashes.
Stop the handset beeping either by 
pressing the 
PAGE button again
or
the 
TALK button on the handset.
USING YOUR PHONE

12
Using the Freestyle1050 
answering machine
Outgoing messages
Your Freestyle 1050 can digitally record up to 
14 minutes of messages, with each incoming 
message lasting a maximum of 2 minutes.
The outgoing message is the message a caller 
hears when your Freestyle 1050 answers a call.
The Freestyle 1050 has a pre-recorded outgoing 
message which announces.. .
“Hello, your call cannot be taken at the moment, 
so please leave your message after the tone.”
You can record your own outgoing message to 
replace the pre-recorded message.
If you record your own message, the pre-recorded 
message is automatically removed and stored in 
the memory, in case you wish to reinstate it; see 
how to delete your outgoing message on page 13.
Any outgoing message you record can be up to 
2 minutes long, but you should keep it short to 
allow more time for recording of incoming calls.
NOTE
To record your own outgoing message, speak clearly,
15 to 20cm from the built-in microphone.
Display Definition
(Blank) Power off.
—
—
—
Power up or reset.
— Power on – answer off mode.
0-30 Answer-on mode, 0-30 messages.
P (flashing) Message paused.
r (flashing)
Message recording (memo, outgoing 
message or incoming message).
A (flashing) Remote access in progress.
F (flashing) Memory full.
t or 2 to 9 Setting or reading answer delay.
d (flashing) 1471 function in progress.
E (flashing) Error.
8-0 Counting down.
Message display
ANSWERING MACHINE

13
To re-record your outgoing message,
repeat this procedure.
To record your outgoing message
Press buttons in order shown
Press and hold down the 
OGM button.
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep and r 
flashes on the message counter.
Keep holding down the 
OGM button and
say your message into the microphone.
When you have finished speaking, 
release the 
OGM button. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep, play 
back your message, then beep to 
confirm the recording. It will then 
return to ‘Answer On’ mode.
To check your outgoing message
Press the OGM button. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep, play back 
your message, then beep to confirm 
the recording. It will then return to 
‘Answer On’ mode.
“Beep. Your message. Beep”
To switch the answering machine 
on/off
Press the ANSWER ON/OFF button. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will announce 
“Answer off ”.
Display shows a single dash.
Press the 
ANSWER ON/OFF button
again. The machine will announce 
“Answer On”.
To delete your outgoing message
You can delete your outgoing message 
and return to your Freestyle 1050’s 
pre-recorded outgoing message.
Press the 
OGM button.
“Your message”
Your outgoing message is played back 
to you.
While the message is playing, press 
the 
DELETE button.
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep and play 
its pre-recorded outgoing message.
“Hello, your call cannot be taken at the 
moment, so please leave your message 
after the tone.”
Your own message has now been 
replaced by the Freestyle 1050’s original 
pre-recorded message.
ANSWERING MACHINE

14
Incoming messages
Your Freestyle 1050 will automatically record an 
incoming message when it is connected to your 
phone socket and is set to ‘Answer On’.
While a message is being recorded, the display 
flashes r. It will stop recording if the caller stops 
speaking for longer than 6 seconds. 
Two minutes is the maximum time allowed for 
each incoming message. If the maximum 
message length is reached – or if the memory 
becomes full – your Freestyle 1050 will give 
4 beeps and hang up.
To adjust the loudspeaker volume
Press buttons in order shown
Your Freestyle 1050 has a volume 
range of 
0-8 (0 = Off, 8 = Loud). 
The pre-set level is 
3.
Press 
VOL + to increase the volume.
Press 
VOL – to decrease the volume.
As you press, a beep sounds at the 
level you are selecting. When the 
volume is at its highest or lowest, you 
will hear two beeps.
To switch the message alert on or off
When the answering machine is in its 
idle state:
Press and hold the 
SKIP < button. 
The machine announces, “Message alert 
off/on” as appropriate.
Press the 
SKIP < button again to change
the setting.
Message alert
When new messages have been received, your 
Freestyle 1050 will beep every 10 seconds. The 
volume of the beep is at the volume you have set 
for the loudspeaker.
ANSWERING MACHINE
NOTE
If a call comes in while you are playing back a 
message or memo, the playback continues until
completed, or you take the call.

15
To play back a message
Press the PLAY/MEMO button. Your 
Freestyle 1050 announces “You have X 
messages”.
The message will then be played back 
followed by the 1471 details(if the 
service is switched on) e.g. “Telephone
number XXX called today at 2.13pm”
If you have two or more messages, they 
are played back in the order in which 
they were received.
When all your messages have been 
played back, your Freestyle 1050 
announces “End of messages”.
The display counts down from 8 to 0.
To pause a message
While listening to the message, press 
the 
PLAY/MEMO. Your Freestyle 1050
will beep every 10 seconds during pause.
Display shows P.
Press the 
PLAY/MEMO button again to
resume playback.
Press the  STOP/ANSWER ON/OFF button at 
any time during playback to stop messages playing.
If playback is not resumed within 60 seconds, the
machine automatically resets to ‘Answer On’ mode
ANSWERING MACHINE
When using your answering machine, if 
the 1471 feature is switched on, your 
Freestyle 1050 will automatically record 
the time of each call and the caller’s 
number (if available).
When the message is played back, you 
will then hear these details at the end 
of their message.
If the caller hangs up before recording 
their message, your Freestyle 1050 
will still record the caller’s number and 
time of their call after announcing “you 
have no message”. The message counter 
will also move up by one. Memos do 
not have the time of recording 
automatically added.
Using the 1471 feature with your 
answering machine

16
NOTE
To cancel deletions and retain your messages,
press the  STOP/ANSWER ON/OFF button during
the 8 to 0 countdown at the end of your messages.
To delete all messages
Following playback of messages, your 
Freestyle 1050 will count down from 
8 to 0.
During this time you can delete all 
stored messages.
Press the 
DELETE button while the
display is counting down from 8 to 0.
Your Freestyle 1050 will announce... 
“All messages deleted”.
It will then continue its countdown to 
0, and return to ‘Answer On’ mode.
ANSWERING MACHINE
To skip forward or backward 
through messages
Press buttons in order shown
When playing back messages, you can 
skip forward to the next message or 
backward to the start of the current or 
previous message.
While the message is being played back.
Press the 
SKIP > button to start playing
the next message. If you press the skip 
button while playback is paused, play 
will continue with the next message. 
You will see the counter change with 
each press.
If you skip beyond the last message, 
your Freestyle announces 
“End of messages”.
Press the 
SKIP < button once to replay
the current message. 
Press the 
SKIP < button twice to go to
the start of the previous message.
To delete individual messages
Press the PLAY/MEMO button to play 
your messages.
When the message you wish to delete 
is playing, press the 
DELETE button.
Your Freestyle 1050 announces 
“Message deleted”.
Skip through your messages to make 
any further deletions.
NOTE
If you accidentally delete all messages you can still 
save them by pressing the  STOP/ANSWER ON/OFF
button before countdown reaches 0.

17
Answer delay
Answer delay sets the number of times your 
Freestyle 1050 will ring before answering a call.
NOTE
If you set your 1050 Answer Delay to Time Saver 
this means that when you call in from another phone 
(remote access), if any messages have been recorded
your Freestyle 1050 will answer after only 2 r ings. 
If there are no messages, it will answer after 6 rings,
thereby allowing you the option of hanging up before
your Freestyle 1050 answers. In using Time Saver, 
you can avoid the cost of a call.
To set the answer delay
Press and hold the SKIP > button. 
The current setting is displayed on the 
message counter and is set to 6 rings
Keep holding the 
SKIP > button. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will announce the 
answer delay options...
“Time Saver, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.”
When you hear the setting you want, 
release the 
SKIP > button. Your
Freestyle 1050 will then announce the 
new answer delay setting and return to 
‘Answer On’ mode.“Answer delay, 4 rings”.
ANSWERING MACHINE
To check the answer delay setting
Press the SKIP > button. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will announce the 
current setting. “Answer delay, 4 rings”.
Call screening
You can let your Freestyle 1050 answer an 
incoming call, allowing you to identify the caller 
and decide whether to take the call. (The VIP 
feature must be set to OFF).
To use call screening
Make sure that the volume is set to an 
audible level. (See page 14).
Allow the incoming call to be answered 
by your Freestyle 1050 as normal. 
You will hear the caller begin to leave 
a message.
At the base unit
If the handset is resting on the base unit 
and you decide to take the call, lift the 
handset and speak to the caller.
Recording will stop automatically.
NOTE
If, when you lift the telephone handset your
Freestyle 1050 does not stop recording, either
replace the handset and lift again, or press the 
TALK button to speak to your caller.
PLEASE NOTE
If you set the answer delay to a specific number of
rings, it will actually ring one less than the number
you set. So, if you set it to ring 5 times, it will 
actually ring 4 times. This is because your 
Freestyle requires one ring to activate the radio link 
between the base station and the handset ringer.

18
Using the 1471 feature
After each incoming message your Freestyle 1050 
is set to dial the free 1471 service and record 
the announcement that gives you the telephone 
number of your caller whether they leave a 
message or not. On playing back messages you 
will be given the caller’s number and time of 
the call.
To screen a call vial the handset
When your Freestyle 1050 starts to 
record an incoming message, the 
handset gives 3 beeps and the 
IN USE
light flashes.
Press the 
SECRECY/SCREEN button.
You can hear the caller on the handset.
Or
To interrupt recording and talk to your 
caller, press the 
TALK button.
ANSWERING MACHINE
NOTE
This service will not work with switchboards and 
may not work with some Cable Networks.
Please ask your Telecommunication supplier for
further details.
NOTE
The free 1471 service announces the day and time 
that the call was left. Your Freestyle 1050 will
automatically record this announcement 
immediately after receiving a call. Consequently, 
the day of the call will be recorded as ‘today’. 
Therefore, it is recommended that you check your
messages on a daily basis. The free 1471
announcement also asks if you wish to return the 
call. In fact, you are not able to do this.
To switch the 1471 feature on and off
Press buttons in order shown
When you first switch on your 
Freestyle 1050, Call Return is 
automatically set to ‘on’.
The 1471 feature can be switched on 
and off.
Press the 
1471 button to switch it off.
The freestyle 1050 announces 
“1471 off ”.
Press the 
1471 button again to switch
it back on. The Freestyle 1050 
announces “1471 on”.

19
To check VIP code and setting
Press the VIP button.
Your Freestyle1050 will announce if the 
setting is on or off and the code number.
Using the VIP feature
Your Freestyle 1050 has a VIP feature which 
sets your answering machine to answer calls 
silently but allows designated callers to alert you 
with a beep that they are trying to contact you. 
The VIP feature will only operate with the 
answering machine in ‘Answer On’ mode.
While the VIP feature is switched on, you will 
not be disturbed by any other callers and your 
answering machine will take messages silently.
To switch the VIP feature on and off
VIP is pre-set to off.
Press and release the 
VIP button to turn
it on.
By pressing the 
VIP button, the
Freestyle 1050 announces “VIP on, thirty”.
Press 
VIP button again to switch off.
ANSWERING MACHINE
To allow VIP callers to signal their 
call
Press buttons in order shown
Give your special callers the VIP code. 
Your pre-set code is 30. Tell them to 
key in the code when they hear your 
outgoing message. The VIP alert beeps 
last for 30 seconds.
If a caller wishes to cancel the alert, 
they press the 
#
button on their phone. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will give a long 
beep at the end of the outgoing 
message and the caller can leave their 
message after the beep.
To change the VIP code
Press and hold down the VIP button. 
The machine announces the current 
VIP code e.g. “Thirty”. Continue to hold 
down the VIP button and press the
SKIP > button to move forward through
the numbers or press 
SKIP < to move
backward. 
When the number you want is 
announced, release the 
SKIP and VIP
buttons. The machine announces e.g. 
“VIP on/off Twenty five set”.
NOTE
The code numbers available run from 00 to 39. 
They are announced by your Freestyle 1050.

20
To cancel any procedure
Pressing the STOP/ANSWER ON/OFF 
button will cancel any procedure currently 
in progress and your Freestyle 1050 
will return to ‘Answer On’ mode.
When the memory is full
When 14 minutes recording time have 
been used up. Or, a maximum of 30 
messages have been recorded, your 
Freestyle 1050 will not record any more 
messages.
ANSWERING MACHINE
NOTE
To play back, delete or skip forward or backward
through memos, follow the instructions for playing
back messages (page 16).
NOTE
If the answer machine is set to ‘off’, recording a 
valid memo will switch the answer machine on.
To record a memo
Press and hold the PLAY/MEMO button. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep and the 
display shows r. Speak clearly into the 
built-in microphone.
When you have completed your memo, 
release the 
PLAY/MEMO button. Your
Freestyle 1050 will beep again.
Your memo is now stored and can be 
played back later. Memos are stored in 
the same way as incoming messages.
Memos
A personal memo can be recorded on your 
Freestyle 1050 and left as a message for another 
user. Memos can be of any length, up to the 
maximum recording capacity (14 minutes), but 
you should keep them short to allow time for 
recording incoming messages.

21
ANSWERING MACHINE
To replay all messages
At the end of your messages, you will 
hear “End of messages”.
Within 8 seconds press 
2 on your
telephone keypad. All messages are 
replayed.
To start playback of messages
Press the SECRECY/SCREEN button 
on the handset. Your answering machine 
will announce either “You have no 
messages” and you have 8 seconds to 
give it an instruction, or “You have X 
messages” and begins playback. 
Use the handset buttons to operate the 
machine as follows:
to stop playback
to pause and resume playback 
repeat message (or press twice to play 
the previous message)
delete the message that is playing
to skip forward to the next message 
(or press twice to skip forward two 
messages).
Operating your answering 
machine from the cordless 
handset
You can use your Freestyle 1050 cordless 
handset to listen to your messages, delete, skip 
forward or backward and record a memo or new 
outgoing message. You can also use it to screen 
an incoming call.
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22
ANSWERING MACHINE
To go back to the pre-set outgoing 
message
Press buttons in order shown
Press the 
9 button while your 
Freestyle 1050 is waiting for an 
instruction.
Your outgoing message is played. 
While the message is playing, press the
5 button. Callers will now hear your
Freestyle 1050 pre-recorded message 
“Hello, your call cannot be taken at the 
moment, so please leave your message 
after the tone.”
To screen a call via the handset
When your Freestyle 1050 starts to 
record an incoming message, the 
handset gives 3 beeps and the 
IN USE
light flashes.
Press the 
SECRECY/SCREEN button.
You can hear the caller on the handset.
Or
To interrupt recording and talk to your 
caller, press the 
TALK button.
To change your outgoing message
Press the 7 button twice within 8 seconds 
of hearing either “End of messages”
or 
“You have no messages”.
Your Freestyle 1050 gives a long beep 
after the second press of the 
7 button to
tell you it is starting to record.
When you have finished recording your 
new message, press and hold the 
0
button for 1 second.
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep and play 
your new outgoing message to confirm 
recording.
To check your outgoing message
Press the 9 button while your 
Freestyle 1050 is waiting for an 
instruction.
Your outgoing message is played.
At the end you have 8 seconds in which 
to give your machine another instruction.

23
Remote access
Control your answering 
machine from another phone 
using a TouchToneTMkeypad
You can turn your Freestyle 1050 answering 
machine on and off and listen to your messages 
from any TouchTone
TM
telephone. To protect 
your privacy, messages can only be accessed by 
entering a 2-digit security code.
The code is pre-set and cannot be changed. 
The code can be found on the underside of the 
base unit.
To check for messages
Press buttons in order shown
Dial your phone number and wait.
When you hear your outgoing message, 
press the 
✱
button on your phone. 
You will hear a ‘Beep’.
CODE Key in the first digit of your security
code. You will hear the number you 
keyed in and a ‘Beep’.
CODE Key in the second digit of your security
code. You will hear the number you 
keyed in then a long ‘Beep’.
Once you have entered your security 
code.
If you have no messages you will hear
“You have no messages.”
You now have 8 seconds to enter any 
other instructions before your 
Freestyle 1050 hangs up.
If you have messages you will hear
“You have X messages.”
Your Freestyle 1050 will then play your 
messages.
REMOTE ACCESS

24
Controlling your message
You can now play back, delete or skip 
backward and forward through your 
messages using the telephone keypad, 
as follows:
To replay the message you are 
listening to:
While the message is playing, press 
4
on your telephone keypad. The message 
will replay from the beginning.
To replay all messages
At the end of your messages, you will 
hear “End of messages”.
Within 8 seconds press 
2 on your
telephone keypad. All messages are 
replayed.
To move forward to the next message
While a message is playing, press 6 on 
your telephone keypad. Your Freestyle 
1050 will play the next message.
You can move forward 2 messages by 
pressing the 
6 button twice and so on.
NOTE
If you hear 4 short ‘beeps’, it means that you have
entered the wrong security code and you are invited to
try again.
If you take longer than 8 seconds to enter a ✱or
number, your Freestyle 1050 will hang up.
To delete the message you are 
listening to
During playback, press the 5 button on 
your telephone keypad. Your Freestyle 
1050 will announce “Message deleted”.
To delete all messages
You can delete all messages immediately 
after listening to them.
Press the 
5 button within 8 seconds of
hearing “End of messages.”
All messages will be deleted. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will announce 
“All messages deleted.”
NOTE
If you accidentally delete a message or messages,
simply hang up within 8 seconds of hear ing the
message “All messages deleted.”
All messages marked for deletion will be restored.
REMOTE ACCESS

25
To cancel message playback or pause
While listening or pausing, press the
0 button. Your Freestyle 1050 gives 2
beeps and you have 8 seconds to give it 
another instruction.
To turn your Freestyle 1050 on
If you have gone out without switching 
on your Freestyle 1050, you can turn it 
on from another phone.
Ring your answering machine as 
normal.
Let your telephone ring 20 times. 
Your Freestyle 1050 will then answer.
Hang up the phone. Your Freestyle 1050 
is switched on and will answer calls.
NOTE
If the memory is full, you will have to delete some
messages before your Freestyle 1050 will switch to
‘Answer On’ mode.
After you hear the ‘Memory Full’ announcement, you
have 8 seconds to enter 2 (to listen to your messages), 
or 5 to delete all messages).
To pause a message
Press buttons in order shown
While the message is playing, press the
2 button.
Press 
2 again to resume playback.
If you pause for longer than 60 seconds, 
the line will be disconnected.
To cancel message playback or pauseTo turn your Freestyle 1050 off
Dial your number and enter your 
security code.
Press the 
8 button within 8 seconds of
hearing either “End of messages” 
or 
“You have no messages”.
Your Freestyle 1050 will announce 
“Answer off ”.
If you press the 
8 button again within 
8 seconds, you will turn your 
Freestyle 1050 on again and hear the 
announcement “Answer On”.
REMOTE ACCESS

26
To cancel message playback or pauseTo check your outgoing message
Press the 9 button while your 
Freestyle 1050 is waiting for an 
instruction.
Your outgoing message is played. At the 
end you have 8 seconds in which to 
give your machine another instruction.
To cancel message playback or pause
To go back to the pre-set outgoing 
message
Press the 9 button while your 
Freestyle 1050 is waiting for an 
instruction.
Your outgoing message is played. 
While the message is playing, press the
5 button. Callers will now hear your
Freestyle 1050 pre-recorded message 
“Hello, your call cannot be taken at the 
moment, so please leave your message 
after the tone.”
To cancel message playback or pauseTo change your outgoing message
Press the 7 button twice within 8 seconds 
of hearing either “End of messages”.
or 
“You have no messages”.
Your Freestyle 1050 gives a long beep 
after the second press of the 
7 button to
tell you it is starting to record. 
Now record your new OGM. 
When you have finished recording 
your new message, press and hold the
0 button for at least 1 second.
Your Freestyle 1050 will beep and play 
your new outgoing message to confirm 
recording.
REMOTE ACCESS

27
Help
If you have any problems using your Freestyle 1050, this section will 
give you the most common, easy-to-follow solutions.
• No dialling tone.
• Telephone will not dial out.
• Telephone cannot receive calls.
Telephone not connected to telephone 
line.
Mains disconnected.
Power cut. 
Handset battery pack is discharged.
Plug the telephone into the 
telephone line.
Make sure the mains supply is 
connected.
Wait until the power is restored. 
Place the handset on the base unit 
and recharge it for 12 hours, ensuring 
the charging light is on.
Telephone problems Possible cause Solution
• You have dialling tone but the
telephone will not dial out.
You may be trying to use tone 
dialling on a pulse dialling exchange.
You are connected to a PBX and are 
not dialling the access code.
Check with your network provider. 
Your Freestyle 1050 only provides 
tone dialling.
Use the PBX access code.
• Handset does not ring.
• No lights on handset.
Handset battery pack is discharged. Place the handset on the base unit and
recharge it for 12 hours.
• Handset does not ring, but lights
show on base.
Check the REN (see page 31). If you 
connect too many telephones or 
devices to your line, they may not all 
operate correctly.
If your telephone is connected to an 
extension socket, it may have been 
connected incorrectly.
Check handset battery is not flat.
If the REN exceeds 4, disconnect one 
or more telephones or devices.
Check with your telephone engineer 
that the extension socket has been 
installed correctly.
Recharge handset battery.
HELP

28
HELP
Telephone problems Possible cause Solution
• No Quickdial store. You may be trying to store the
number with the talk light on.
Ensure that the TALK light is off 
before storing the number.
• Callers are faint.
• Interference.
• Buzzing.
• Whooshing.
• Echoing.
• Tinniness.
The base unit telescopic aerial is not 
extended as high as possible.
You are moving out of range. 
Radio channel interference.
Radio channel interference.
The base unit or the handset are too 
close to electrical equipment or metal 
obstructions.
Extend the base unit telescopic aerial 
as far as possible.
Move closer to the base unit. 
Press the 
CHANNEL button on the
handset, to select a clearer channel. 
Press the 
CHANNEL button on the
handset, to select a clearer channel. 
Relocate the base unit or move 
around with the handset until 
reception improves.
•
BATTERY LOW light on the
handset is flashing.
The handset battery needs recharging. Replace the handset on the base unit,
ensuring that the base unit is plugged 
in and that the 
CHARGING light is on.
• No 
CHARGING light on the 
base unit.
Dirty contacts on base unit or 
handset.
Clean the contacts with a dry cloth. 
Heavy soiling can be removed with a 
pencil eraser.

29
Answering Machine problems Possible cause Solution
• Distorted outgoing message.
• Faint outgoing message.
• Noisy outgoing message.
The answering machine has a very 
sensitive microphone. This picks up 
any background noise. If you record 
your outgoing message too quietly or 
from too far away the sensitivity of the 
microphone increases to compensate 
and will pick up more background 
noise. 
Record your outgoing message at a 
reasonable volume 20cm away from 
the microphone in a quiet 
environment.
• Back-up battery fails frequently. Frequent power failures will drain the
back-up battery. 
Unplugging the base unit from the 
power supply drains the back-up 
battery.
Switching the mains supply off will 
drain the back-up battery.
Leave the base unit plugged in, or 
remove the back-up battery before 
unplugging.
Remove the back-up battery before 
switching the mains supply off.
• No call screening from the 
base unit.
• Cannot hear messages when 
played.
The volume is set too low.
VIP setting is ON. 
The volume is set too low.
Increase the volume to a suitable level 
using the volume control.
Switch VIP OFF. 
Increase the volume to a suitable level
using the volume control.
HELP
• Will not record incoming 
messages.
The answering machine is switched 
off. 
The answering machine is full. 
Switch the answering machine on 
manually or by remote control.
Delete some or all of your messages 
manually or by remote control, to 
make room for new messages.
• General problems. None of the answering machine
functions will operate while the 
telephone is in use.
Ensure that the telephone is not in use 
before operating the answering 
machine.

30
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Technical information
How many phones can you have?
All items of telephone equipment have a Ringer 
Equivalence Number (REN), which is used to 
calculate the number of items which may be 
connected to any one telephone line. Your 
Freestyle 1050 has a REN of 1. A total REN of 4 
is allowed. If the total REN of 4 is exceeded, the 
telephones may not ring. With different telephone 
types there is no guarantee of ringing, even when 
the REN is less than 4.
Connecting to a switchboard
Your Freestyle 1050 may be connected to 
compatible switchboards. If in doubt, your 
switchboard supplier or maintainer should be 
able to offer help. Advice on connection to BT 
switching systems can be obtained by dialling 
BT on 152.
If you do not have a compatible switchboard, it 
cannot be guaranteed that your Freestyle 1050 
will operate correctly under all possible conditions 
of connection.
WARNING
The apparatus is only designed to be operated in 
a normal office or domestic environment where 
the relative humidity does not exceed 60%. It should
not be used in bathrooms or near water.
Approval for use
Your Freestyle 1050 is tested and approved for 
connection to public networks, provided it is 
used in accordance with the guidelines in this 
user guide.
You may connect it:
• To direct exchange lines.
• To extensions with new plug and socket
arrangements provided with these direct 
exchange lines.
• To compatible switchboards.
You may NOT connect it:
• To shared service (party) lines.
• As an extension to a payphone. 
This phone is designed for UK use only. Using it
abroad may violate local radio laws. 
The base unit is intended for use when powered
from the 12V AC mains adaptor supplied, which 
conforms to EN60950. Any other usage will 
invalidate the approval given to this apparatus if, 
as a result, it ceases to comply with EN60950.
Environment
Your Freestyle 1050 should be kept free of dust, 
moisture, high temperature and vibration, and 
should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Do not 
stand it on carpets or other surfaces which 
generate fibres, or place it in locations which 
prevent the free flow of air over its surfaces.

Transmission frequencies of 
available channels:
Safety advice
Don’t use your Freestyle 1050 in the open air 
during thunderstorms. Unplug it from the 
telephone line and the mains socket when there 
are storms in your area.
Don’t use your Freestyle 1050 outdoors in the 
rain, or handle it with wet hands.
Don’t install the base unit near a sink, bath or 
shower. Electrical appliances can cause serious 
injury if used when you are wet or standing in 
water.
Don’t install the base unit where the various 
leads can be tripped over or walked on. This 
may cause injury, or damage to the leads and 
your Freestyle 1050.
In the event of a power failure
In the event of a mains power failure you will 
not be able to make or receive calls from your 
Freestyle 1050. Alternative arrangements should 
be made for access to emergency services.
31
Call security
Your Freestyle 1050 has its own digital security 
code that prevents other cordless phone owners 
from using your phone line. This ensures that 
you are charged only for calls using your phone. 
However, all approved cordless phones use 
radio signals to communicate between the base 
unit and cordless handset units. It is therefore 
possible that your conversations could be 
overheard by other people, on their cordless 
phones, or on radios that use the same radio 
frequencies.
As this problem applies equally to all similar 
cordless phones currently available in the UK, 
call privacy cannot be guaranteed. However, the 
security coding prevents unauthorised use of 
your line.
In the unlikely event of your Freestyle 1050 
picking up conversations from other cordless 
phones being used nearby, try changing 
channels using the 
CHANNEL button on the
handset.
Transmission frequencies
This cordless telephone has been designed to 
operate on radio frequencies which have been 
assigned to the exclusive use of cordless 
telephones. As the use of cordless telephones 
becomes more widespread, the quality of 
service obtained from this apparatus may 
lessen.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Channels Base Unit Tx Handset Tx
Freq./MHz Freq./MHz
1 31.0375 39.9375 
2 31.0625 39.9625 
3 31.0875 39.9875 
4 31.1125 40.0125 
5 31.1375 40.0375 
6 31.1625 40.0625 
7 31.1875 40.0875 
8 31.2125 40.1125

32
Maintenance
MAINTENANCE
Installing a handset battery pack and recharging
Replacing the handset on the base unit to 
recharge overnight should keep the Freestyle 
1050 operative for normal use. In time, the 
handset battery pack will no longer hold a 
sufficient charge and should be replaced.
To change the handset battery pack
The handset battery compartment is located at 
the back of the handset at the lower end.
• Firmly hold the handset in both hands with 
the back towards you and the bottom end 
away from you.
• Push the depression in the battery compartment 
cover, inward and away from you with both 
thumbs, to remove it.
• Undo the plastic belt securing the battery pack. 
• Remove the old battery pack by unplugging 
the small white plug that connects it to the 
handset.
• Insert the small white plug of the new battery 
pack. (If you look at the shape of the plug and 
socket, you will see that it can only be inserted 
one way).
• Place the battery pack in the recess, secure it 
with the plastic belt and refit the compartment 
cover.
• Replace the handset on the base unit and 
charge for a full 12 hours.
• The battery pack must be recycled or disposed 
of properly. 
• Do not burn or puncture as it could release 
toxic material which may cause injury.
Spare parts for your Freestyle 1050 are available 
from your BT shop or supplier.

33
Care of rechargeable battery pack
• When you first install the Freestyle 1050, or 
replace the battery pack, the handset must be 
fully charged for 12 hours before use.
• To maintain optimum charge and battery 
condition, the handset should be allowed to 
fully discharge about every four months.
• Dispose of Ni-Cad battery packs safely. 
Do not puncture or burn them. They contain 
toxic materials which could cause injury.
General cleaning
Clean the cabinet of the handset and the base 
with a soft cloth slightly dampened with a mild 
solution of water and detergent. Charging 
contacts should be cleaned with a dry cloth or 
for heavy soiling a pencil eraser can be used.
• Do not clean with a wet cloth.
• Do not clean with abrasive materials or 
solvents as these may damage the unit.
• Do not spray aerosol cleaners onto the base 
or handset.
Extended periods of non-use
It is recommended that you:
• Disconnect the base unit from both mains 
supply and telephone line.
• Remove the back-up battery from the base 
unit and battery pack from the handset.
• When reconnecting, check that the charging 
light on the base unit is on. Recharge the 
handset battery for 12 hours.
Guarantee
If you own your Freestyle 1050 under BT’s 
guarantee
BT guarantees the product for one year provided 
that:
The goods have only been used for their intended 
purpose and have not been subjected to misuse, 
or been wilfully or accidentally damaged.
The goods have not been tampered with or 
repaired by anyone other than BT, its staff or 
agents. If a fault does occur in this product, and 
you bought the unit yourself, provided that you 
return it to the place of purchase and produce 
your receipt, it will either be repaired or replaced 
free of charge. The terms and conditions of this 
guarantee do not affect your statutory rights.
If you own your Freestyle 1050 outside the 
guarantee period
If your Freestyle 1050 needs repair after the 
guarantee period has ended, it must be repaired 
so as to remain compliant with the approval 
requirements for connection to the telephone 
network. We recommend that you call BT on 
Freefone 0800 800 150 or visit your nearest 
BT shop and you will be informed of our 
recommended repair agents.
MAINTENANCE

Drill 2 holes for the screws and insert the 
wall-plugs provided (if required).
Drive the screws into the wall, leaving about 
4mm free on which to mount the bracket and 
base unit.
Make sure that the power supply and 
the telephone cables are connected 
to the base unit, then fit the cables into 
the channels on the bottom of the 
base unit.
Clip the bracket onto the base unit as shown 
on the next page.
Attach the bracket and base unit 
by hooking them over the screws 
protruding from the wall.
34
Wall Mounting
Your Freestyle 1050 can be wall-mounted by 
using the bracket provided.
You can use the bracket as a template to mark 
where the screws should go into the wall.
Please refer to page 35, wall mounting template.
For the best operating conditions, try to place 
the base unit away from large metal objects and 
other electrical appliances.
Before you wall-mount your Freestyle 1050, 
check that:
• the wall can support the weight of the base 
unit and handset;
• the position you choose leaves enough 
space so that the base unit (which is larger 
than the bracket) is clear of any obstruction 
on the wall, such as a shelf or cupboard. 
Room should be left so that the handset can 
be placed on charge without touching any 
obstructions;
• the position leaves enough space for the 
aerial to be extended when wall-mounted.
WALL MOUNTING
WALL PLUG
WALL
SCREW
102 mm

36
Index
INDEX
Adaptor 6 
Aerial
base unit 7 
handset 5
Answer delay 17
checking 17
setting 17 
Answering machine on/off 13 
Answering machine -
operating from the handset 21 
Battery
care of handset battery 7, 33
changing handset battery 32
charging handset battery 6
installation of base unit battery 5
recommended base unit battery 5 
Calls
ending 8
making 8
receiving 8 
Call screening 17
at the base 17
at the handset 18, 22 
Cancel any procedure 20 
Channel 9 
Charging handset battery 6 
Cleaning 33 
Dialling a memory number 10 
Display - answer machine 12 
Display messages 12 
Emergency calls 4
Ending a call 8 
Guarantee 33 
Help 27 
Helpline 4 
Incoming messages 14 
Location 7 
Maintenance 32 
Making a call 8 
Memory numbers
dialling 10
storing 9, 10 
Memory full 20 
Memos 20
playback 15
recording 20 
Message alert on/off 14 
Message display 12 
Messages – incoming 14
delete all messages 16
delete individual messages 16
pause 15
playback 15, 21
replay all messages 21
skip backwards/forwards 16 
Messages – outgoing 12
change your message 22
check your message 13, 22
deleting 13
pre-set message 22
recording 13 
On/off – answering machine 13

37
INDEX
on/off 19
signalling the code 19 
Volume
loudspeaker 14 
Wall-mounting 34 
Wall mounting template 35 
1471 feature 15, 18
Outgoing messages 12 
Paging 11 
Pause 11 
Power adaptor/cord 6 
Power failure 31 
Power socket 6 
Quickdial reference label 10 
Range 9 
Recall 11 
Redialling last number 8 
REN (Ringer Equivalence Number) 30 
Receiving a call 8 
Remote access 23
cancel playback/pause 25 
change your outgoing message 26 
check for messages 23 
check your outgoing message 26 
delete all messages 24 
delete individual messages 24 
pause a message 25 
pre-set message 26 
replay all messages 24 
skip forward 24
switching on/off remotely 25 
Remote access from the handset 21 
Safety advice 31 
Secrecy 9 
Security 31 
Sound quality 9 
Stop any procedure 20 
Storing a memory number 9, 10 
Switchboards 30 
Technical information 30 
Telephone socket 5, 7 
Transmission frequencies 31 
VIP feature 19
checking 19
changing 19

APPROVED for connection to
telecommunication systems specified
in the instructions for use subject to
the conditions set out in them
CE compliant to 89/336/EEC 
(EMC Directive) & 73/23/EEC 
(Low Voltage Directive)
Offices in Europe, North America, 
Japan and Asia Pacific.
The telecommunications services described in this publication 
are subject to availability and may be modified from time to time. 
Services and equipment are provided subject to British 
Telecommunications plc’s respective standard conditions of contract. 
Nothing in this publication forms any part of any contract.
© British Telecommunications plc 1999. 
Registered Office: 81 Newgate Street, London EC1A 7AJ. 
Registered in England No. 1800000. 
Designed by: The Art & Design Partnership Limited. 
Printed in China by: Team Concepts 
Freestyle 1050 Issue 1 (5/99) 5.
Printed on paper which meets international environmental standards