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FAQs
Q: Why not just get a a mobile phone instead?
Q: Why would I need a pager when I have a mobile telephone?
Q: How does paging coverage compare to mobile phone coverage?
Q: How are messages sent to a pager?
Q: How much does it cost to call a pager?
Q: How long is the contract?
Q: Is there a cancellation fee?
Q: Are pagers available for short-term hire?
Q: What is the difference between pager types?
Q: Are 2-way pagers available in the UK?
Q: Can I divert my mobile/landline telephone to a pager?
Q: Can message pagers receive numeric and/or text messages?
Q: Can message pagers receive e-mails?
Q: Will I still receive messages if the pager is switched off?
Q: How long do pager batteries last?
Q: If I lose my pager can I keep the same number?
Q: Will my pager work outside the UK?
Q: Can pagers in the UK be called from outside of the UK?
Q: Does using a pager pose any health risks?
Q: Why not just get a a mobile phone instead?
A: There are several reasons why you might choose a pager over a mobile phone:
• Mobile phones are banned from use in certain areas where the use of pagers is, however, permitted
• Battery life is considerably longer (up to six weeks in a pager, compared to a day or two in a mobile phone)
• Pagers tend to have better coverage (both overall and especially in buildings)
• Running costs can be significantly lower
• Pager messages can be more discreet and unobtrusive
• There are no known health concerns associated with pager use
Q: Why would I need a pager when I have a mobile telephone?
A: A pager can compliment a mobile phone. Research in the USA has shown that 1/3rd of all mobile phone users also have a pager.
Acknowledged benefits are:
• The ability to receive messages discreetly and screen them before deciding upon an appropriate response
• Increased reliability. A significant number of calls made to mobile phones fail to connect
• Better coverage. The major UK paging networks cover 98% of the population and pagers also have better in-building coverage than mobile phones
• Reduced costs. It is estimated that up to 50% of messages are one-way in nature and do not need a return call/conversation
• Broadcast messaging. Pagers have the unique facility of allowing messages to be simultaneously sent to a large number of people
Q: How does paging coverage compare to mobile phone coverage in the UK?
A: The major UK paging networks provide fast and reliable messaging to cover 98% of the population. They transmit on a different frequency and currently provide better national and in-building coverage than the mobile phone networks.
Q: How are messages sent to a pager?
A: There are various options available depending on the type of pager being contacted.
Numeric or Tone Pagers:
Direct Dial - using a tone signalling phone, a caller can send messages in numeric or tone form
Message Pagers:
a). Call Centre Service - the caller dials the pager number and is answered by an operator. Details of the message are entered into the system and the pager is called
b). Direct Access - this eliminates the need to send messages via a Call Centre. Alphanumeric messages are sent direct from PCs or other data terminals
Q: How much does it cost to call a pager?
A: Call charges will depend upon whether you are calling from a landline, mobile telephone, from overseas or via the Internet and whether you are calling a Rental or a Calling Party Pays pager.
Calls to Rental pagers:
Calls to Rental pagers from BT landlines are charged by the length of time you are on the phone. The pence per minute price also varies according to the time of day.
The BT tariff code is 'r - Calls to Pagers & Voice Messaging Services'.
Other operators (including mobile networks) may charge different rates.
Calls to Calling Party Pays pagers:
Calls to Calling Party Pays pagers from BT landlines are charged at a fixed fee rate, irrespective of the length of time that you are on the phone.
The BT tariff code is 'ff9 - Calls to Fixed Fee Numbers'.
Other operators (including mobile networks) may charge different rates.
Q: How long is the contract?
A: We supply pagers on a contract and non-contract basis:
Rental Pagers - The pager (Message, Numeric or Tone) is supplied under a rental agreement, with a quarterly fee (payable in advance). The initial contract period is 12 months, with one month’s cancellation thereafter.
Purchase Pagers - These pagers are supplied without a contract or ongoing fees.
On-site Paging - These systems are supplied without a contract or ongoing fees.
Q: Is there a cancellation fee?
A: No. There is no cancellation fee and you can cancel a Rental pager contract or return a Calling Party Pays pager at any time within our 14-day money back guarantee period without incurring any cost. Should you cancel a Rental pager contract after the initial 30-day period you will be liable only for the remaining airtime due under the terms of our contract, provided you return your pager(s) to us in good working order.
Q: Are pagers available for short-term hire?
A: Yes. Our standard contract is 12-months minimum, but we also supply pagers for short-term hire, on a temporary contract. Call us on 0800 0181 448 or 01869 811411 for further details.
Q: What is the difference between pager types?
A: There are three types of pager - Tone, Numeric and Message:
Tone pagers - these pagers emit a 'bleep' to alert the user to take pre-determined action.
Numeric pagers - these pagers display a number message on a small screen (up to 12 digits).
Message pagers - these pagers are capable of receiving both numbers and text (between 80 and 240 characters, depending upon the model chosen).
Q: Are 2-way pagers available in the UK?
A: No. Pagers in the UK are not capable of transmitting messages (they are programmed only to receive). Although 'two-way' pagers are available in other parts of the world, there are currently no plans to introduce the technology into the UK.
Q: Can I divert my mobile/landline telephone to my pager?
A: Yes. Just consult your pager's handbook, call your telephone operator for the code or call us on 01869 811411 and we'll be pleased to talk you through the process.
Q: Can message pagers receive numeric and/or text messages?
A: Yes. A message pager can be paged with both numeric and text messages. A numeric pager can ONLY receive numeric messages.
Q: Can message pagers receive e-mails?
A: Yes. All of our Rental message pagers are capable of receiving e-mails. This service is optional and available for a small additional monthly charge.
Q: Will I still receive messages if my pager is switched off?
A: No. In order to receive messages your pager must be active, switched on and within coverage range. It is also important to note that anyone trying to send you a message will not know if your pager is turned off.
Q: How long do pager batteries last?
A: The battery in a pager typically lasts around six weeks with normal use.
Q: If I lose my pager can I keep the same number?
A: Yes. If you have a rental agreement with us we can arrange for your existing number to be transferred to a replacement pager.
Q: Will my pager work outside the UK?
A: No. However, you can retrieve messages sent to your pager whilst you are abroad. You just need to call the network Call Centre and quote your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The operator will then read back any messages to you.
Q: Can pagers in the UK be called from outside of the UK?
A: Yes. Provided the local network operator in the country your pager is being called from enables such calls to be made. This can vary significantly from region to region (and even town to town) and it is therefore advisable to carry out test calls from the required location(s) before relying on the service.
Q: Does using a pager pose any health risks?
A: No. There are no known health issues surrounding the use of pagers. Unlike mobile phones, pagers do not 'transmit' messages and are, therefore, not subject to the microwave radiation emitted by mobile phones.