Pager systems have an interesting history and, despite the rise of the mobile phone, are still used in some industries.
What is a traditional pager system?
A traditional pager system is a one-way communication system that uses radio frequency technology/channels. It involves sending a message to a small battery-powered device known as a pager.
The message is usually a telephone number to call or a short text message. Where the message is more than just a telephone number, it often has to go via a third party such as a human operator or automated/voice recognition interface.
A brief history of the pager system
The first and very basic pager-style system was invented in 1921, but the first consumer version was not released until 1964.
Since then, pagers have changed considerably, allowing for different tones to be used, voice alerts/audio messages to be played, and text messages. In the 1990s, the first two-way pagers were introduced; since that point, they have been somewhat usurped by the mobile phone.
Pros and cons of pager systems
The main benefits/advantages of pager systems are that they are reliable, have a long battery life/do not need recharging daily like mobile phones, are cost-effective, and do not suffer from network congestion.
The main downsides are that they cannot handle multimedia, they are seen as outdated, they do not usually use encryption, and they are limited in terms of geographical coverage.
The modern pager
Some companies have taken the idea of the page and updated it so that it is still relevant and useful in today’s mobile-heavy world. These wi-fi pagers are bi-directional, use digital technology, and can integrate with multiple communication systems.
These can be used in multiple industries, including retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Pager system experts
If you feel that pagers could be the solution for you or your business, specialists such as dinggly.com/ offer a variety of solutions and provide advice.
Pagers may seem old-fashioned, but they still have a role to play in the modern world.