A pager is a small, wireless device that receives messages or alerts. It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s as a way to communicate short messages, especially before mobile phones became widespread.
Pagers typically have a small screen to display a message, and they notify the user through a beep, vibration, or both.
How Do Pagers Work?
Pagers operate using radio signals. A message is sent to a pager through a central system, which then transmits it to the device via radio waves.
The message is displayed on the screen, often as a series of numbers (such as a phone number to call back) or a short text message.
Types of Pagers
- Numeric Pagers: These display only numbers, like a phone number for the user to call back.
- Alphanumeric Pagers: These can display both numbers and text messages.
- Two-Way Pagers: These allow users to send and receive messages.
Why Use Pagers in Today’s Technology Era?
Despite the rise of smartphones, pagers are still used in certain situations where reliability and simplicity are key:
- Healthcare: Doctors and nurses use pagers because they are reliable, have long battery life, and work well in areas with poor cell coverage.
- Emergency Services: Firefighters and other emergency personnel use pagers because they can receive alerts quickly, even in remote areas.
- Industries with High-Security Needs: Pagers are used in places where information security is crucial, as they are less vulnerable to hacking compared to smartphones.
Who Uses Pagers?
- Hospitals: Medical staff.
- Emergency responders: Firefighters, ambulance services, and police.
- Service technicians: In places like oil rigs or remote facilities where mobile signals are weak.
- People in high-security environments: Where communications need to be more secure and controlled.
Companies Manufacturing Pagers
There are still a few companies that manufacture and manage pager services:
- Spok: A leading provider in healthcare and emergency services.
- American Messaging Services: Another major player in the U.S.
- Swissphone: A company that offers paging services, especially in Europe.
These companies often provide both the hardware (the pager devices) and the paging service (the network that sends messages).
Ownership and Company Structure
The companies that still make and manage pagers are typically privately owned or part of larger communication and technology firms. For example, Spok is a publicly traded company in the U.S., while others like Swissphone may be privately held.
Pricing
The cost of pagers and their services can vary:
- Pagers: Basic numeric pagers can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. Alphanumeric and two-way pagers can be more expensive, typically ranging from $50 to $200.
- Service Plans: Monthly service plans for pagers usually range from $5 to $50, depending on the type of service and coverage needed.
Manufacturing
Pagers are manufactured similarly to other small electronic devices. They have basic components like a radio receiver, a small screen, a battery, and sometimes a keypad.
Manufacturing is done by specialized electronics manufacturers, often located in countries like China and Taiwan, where many electronics are produced.
Conclusion
While pagers might seem outdated compared to smartphones, they still serve an important role in certain industries where reliability, simplicity, and security are crucial.
Healthcare, emergency services, and other sectors continue to use pagers because they are dependable, cost-effective, and work in situations where smartphones might not be practical.
Companies like Spok and Swissphone are still in the business of providing these essential communication tools, ensuring that pagers remain relevant in specific niches.
