Paging Service Providers

Guide to Paging Service Providers

Pager activation offers many more options today than previously
By Jeanne Dininni

With the advent of the cell phone, one might expect pager activation to become a thing of the past, but that hasn't happened. The fact is that pagers can actually help save you money on cell phone charges, when used in conjunction with your cellular phone. Modern pager service providers also offer many features that traditional pagers didn't have.

Whether you are a medical professional, a first responder, an on-call IT technician or a business owner who uses pager service to handle the affairs of your company, you might want to research a few paging service providers to see if you're getting the best deal you can for your dollar. The following are some types of pagers that are available today:

1. Numeric pagers (transmit numbers only)

2. Alpha-numeric pagers (transmit numbers and letters)

3. Two-way alpha-numeric pagers (capable of two-way communication)

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the basics of beeper activation so you can determine which service you need Your particular business needs will dictate the extent to which you will need the various available features of the modern-day pager. Gathering a little background information online can help you decide whether you'll need the added features that increase the cost of activating a beeper.

I recommend:  Leapforum.com offers a thorough explanation of how one-way and two-way pager activation work.

Visit the websites of various pager providers and see what they have to offer Each company will differ slightly in its offerings, as well as its pricing. Carefully compare the features offered by all pager service providers that you investigate. This will give you a better idea of which one's services are in your price range and which offers the features you need or desire.

I recommend:  Metrotel Communications and Unity offer numerous beeper activation features that can help make your daily business more convenient.

Consider paging service providers who offer extra high-tech services Many pager providers offer special services that can really help make life simpler for you. Some send your e-mail to your pager or cell phone instantly. Others offer voice mail, virtual fax machine service or telepaging (paging without a pager, via your cell or other phone, e-mail or the Internet).

I recommend:  CellPlusPlus and Interpage are two beeper service providers that offer more than simple pager activation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Activating a pager today is a simple matter, and pagers integrate so well with cell phone and Internet services that it's almost a shame not to take advantage of all that the modern pager has to offer. If your company's budget can handle it, consider signing up for the high-tech options when you activate your next pager. It might just work wonders for your business