Not all digital cordless phones are of extortionate price. The Philips Kala 6120 cost £68 and has all the features most people would need in a cordless phone.

I had put up with an Answercall, and then Cable and Wireless analogue cordless, until I could take it no more. The interference and constant crackling was too much! Back went the analogue, and I purchased the Kala 6120.
Firstly, you notice that there is no crackling reception! The handset fits neatly into your hand and has a volume control for those callers who whisper and those who shout. A musical on-hold button, three different rings, an sos button, a 10 number store, re-dial, and a desktop charger stand with changeable covers.
I have been more than pleased with this phone, and am so grateful that those awful "what?", and "can't hear you...bad line" days are over.