Alphanumeric
Paging
What
is Alphanumeric Paging?
Alphanumeric
paging (or “Alpha”
paging for short) is a
paging service which allows
the user to receive text
messages on his pager
display screen.
How an
Alphanumeric Pager Works
Alphanumeric
paging works the same
way as a numeric pager,
with one very important
additional benefit. You
can receive full text
messages, not just a phone
number. A complete text
message eliminates the
need to make a return
phone call.
If the caller
uses an operator, the
message to be sent is
dictated to the operator
and the operator receives,
transcribes and transmits
the message in the appropriate
format. The message is
entered into the system
via a computer with a
modem or specialized terminal.
The signal is then sent
by the tower transmitters,
which broadcast the signal
throughout the entire
coverage area, same as
in numeric paging. Only
the pager with the appropriate
capcode receives the message.
Alpha
Dispatch Software
If the caller
uses a personal computer
with a modem, the only
thing that is needed is
the proper software. There
are several options. The
carrier’s dedicated
alpha number is dialed
and the message is transmitted
via modem to the carrier’s
system, which sends out
the message as above.
As a convenience,
we are listing three companies
that provide sofware for
alphanumeric paging dispatch.
Mid-Atlantic ProTel offers
no warranty or support
for these products. Please
direct all of your questions
about these products to
the companies who provide
them.
