Pagers which can only receive simple messages may seem like relics of the past, but they continue to be used in specific industries where constant, reliable communication is crucial.
Here's why:
- Security: Pagers run on their own encrypted VHF/UHF networks and are not reliant on the standard cellular network. As the communication are 1-way, it is very hard to pin point the location of the receiver.
- Signal reliability: Pagers use stronger transmitters than cell phones, making them very reliable and able to receive messages over long distances, especially during natural disasters.
- Battery longevity: Pagers often have very long battery lives lasting weeks and months, compared to a single day on a modern smart phone
- Low distraction: Pagers are purpose-built to only receive basic messages, unlike smartphones, which can be a source of constant distraction or pose as a security risk
- Cost-effectiveness: Pagers are can be significantly cheaper than smartphones for large-scale deployment
