At this point in time the price goes up mostly because the low gigahertz phones are analog--not digital-and are often subject to more interference. I've gone through so many cordless phones I can't remember, but the new DECT 6.0 phones are by far the best in my living situation. I number of companies such as Panasonic, V-Tech, and Uniden make them. I first bought the V-Tech because of looks, but found the looks much superior to the operation. I bought the Undiden at Costco for $79 and it came with 2 or 3 other phones you can place around the house. I haven't seen any 2-line DECT 6.0 phones yet, but in this age of cell phones I doubt many people would need 2-lines. But I will certainly say the sound quality and comfort of Uniden DECT 6.0 is far and away superior to any cell phone I have ever used in sound quality and talking comfort--with the obvious exception you can't talk 10 miles from your house:-)

Greg