GENERAL GUIDE TO PAGERS

1. Differences between pager types

There are currently three types of pager available - tone, numeric and message/alphanumeric.

Tone pagers are the most basic type. They emit a 'bleep' or vibrate when called. Therefore they are useful when the user only needs to be alerted, i.e. when the pager ‘bleeps’, they know what action to take.

Numeric pagers have a screen which can display a number message. Callers dial the pager number and key in their telephone number or numeric message (up to 12 digits). The number entered is then sent via the paging network to the pager which alerts the user and displays the message.

Message/Alphanumeric pagers can receive both text and numbers up to a maximum of 240 characters (depending upon the model ). They have screens capable of displaying between 1 and 4 lines of text at a time. Messages can be sent by dialling an operator, (and e-mail or web messaging on rental pagers only).

2. Choosing a pager - Rental and Purchase options

Rental - The pager is supplied under a rental agreement, with a fee (payable in advance), and optional insurance. The pager number can be transferred to a replacement pager in the case of loss or irreparable damage. Call charges depend whether the ‘calling party’ is calling from a landline, mobile, internet or from overseas, but as a guide from a landline it is approx. 4.2p per call. Our rental pagers operate through Vodafone network.

Purchase – The pager is supplied without a contract or any ongoing fees. The pager number is permanently programmed into the unit and cannot be transferred. Calls to these pagers from a landline as a guide will cost the ‘calling party’ approx 43p per call, and are connected to the PageOne call centre network. Unlike rental pagers, these cannot accept messages via internet.

 'On-site Paging' systems are also supplied without a contract or any ongoing fees. There is no call charge for these systems as there’s no network involvement. The call range is generally between 500 metres and 1 mile, dependant on the specification of system.

3. Coverage + Battery life

Pagers will receive messages as long as they are in range of the network transmitter. It is important to remember that a Pager will not receive a message if it is switched off, out of coverage, or if the signal has been disrupted. Battery life is approx 6 weeks of constant use.

The paging network operators Vodafone and PageOne are capable of reaching 98% of the UK mainland population, and currently provide better national and in-building coverage than the mobile phone networks.

The pager will not work outside the UK, however, you are able to retrieve messages sent to your pager whilst you are abroad. To do this you need to call the network Call Centre and quote your Personal Identification Number, and the operator will then read back any messages to you (RENTAL PAGERS ONLY)

Conversely, provided you are within a coverage area in the UK, callers from abroad can send messages to your pager by inserting the UK dialling code before your number.

For additional information or any queries please call us on

01792 324440   or e-mail   sales@nationwidepaging.co.uk