Frequently Asked Questions
About Paging

Find the User Guide for Your ProTel Pager

What is paging?

The most basic function of the pager is alerting. On receiving its own paging code, the receiver sets off an alert, which can be audible (tone) or silent (vibrating). Messaging functions can also be performed including display of numeric or alphanumeric information.

The most common modern paging systems can be classified as “numeric” and “alphanumeric” systems.

What is a pager?

A pager is essentially an FM radio receiver tuned to the same radio frequency as the paging base station in the system. A decoder unit incorporated into each pager recognizes the unique code assigned to the pager and rejects all other codes for selective alerting.

What is a Numeric Pager?

This is the most common type of pager for personal use. You are assigned a phone number. When someone calls this number they are prompted to enter their number and it is sent to your pager. The number is displayed on your pager so you will know what number to call.

What are the advantages of numeric paging?

1. Flexible, user can be instructed to call any phone number

2. In silent mode, message does not disturb others in quiet environments

3. Works in noisy environment

4. Message read privately

5. Message displayed and stored

6. Large channel capacity

What is alphanumeric paging?

An alphanumeric pager is capable of receiving not only phone numbers, but also text messages. On some systems, the pager can also receive news headlines, sports scores and even weather.

Alphanumeric pagers display alphabetic or numeric messages entered by the calling party or operator using a computer/modem combination or a custom page-entry device designed to enter alphanumeric pages.

What are the advantages of alphanumeric paging?

1. Same as numeric display, plus user receives complete, accurate text message, not just a number

2. Eliminates need for phone call to get message, and phone tag

3. User can screen messages and make better action decisions

How Do I Send a Numeric Message To a Pager?

1. On a touch-tone phone, dial the pager number you wish to contact.

2. After hearing the tone, enter the number you want displayed on the pager on the telephone keypad.

3. Press the pound sign (#) to signal the end of the message (Even if “#” is not pressed, the page will be sent, although it might take a little longer.)

What Causes a Missed Page?

1. If your pager’s battery is weak (batteries need to be changed every 3-4 weeks)

2. If the person paging you did not use a touch tone telephone (even push button phones can be set to “pulse” – when you press the button a beep sound should be heard, if not, change your phone setting to “tone”

3. Cordless devices such as cellular and cordless phones that are paging you must have a clear signal and a strong battery (if any static is on the line the paging terminal may not accept the page)

4. You may be in an area not covered by your paging system (refer to your coverage map)

5. If pager is bumped, dropped, or mishandled, it may become out of tune. This is a problem that can be solved by bringing it to us for an alignment.

6. On occasion, a person may claim that they paged you but did not.

7. Sometimes, there may be issues with the telephone system or the paging system. If the problem does not clear up within a short time, contact ProTel Customer Service at 1-888-453-4416.

What are the limitations of the radio signal?

A pager is simply an FM radio and has the same limitations and problems as any FM radio. Surely, you have noticed when driving in your car that sometimes the radio signal fades in and out as you go through a mountainous area, a tunnel or sometimes even a freeway underpass. Pagers have this same limitation. They do not always receive the signal in the coverage area. The paging signal is cut in half for every floor or exterior wall it is trying to penetrate. Although the paging systems do have several towers in each area, due to geographical conditions, there are some weak spots.

When my first year contract is over, is the pager automatically turned off if I don't renew?

No. Your pager account remains active and billable until you provide written 30-days notice. If you no longer need your paging service, you must notify us in writing. You can mail or fax the notice to the main office or fill out a form in any location. You can contact the main office at 1-888-453-4416.

Why do I have to cancel my pager service in writing?

This is for your protection. It prevents someone else from cancelling your pager service without your knowledge.

Can I use a pager that I purchased from another company?

In some instances, you may be able to use an existing pager, but most companies do not support the same frequencies.

Can I get an 800 number?

Yes. All of our paging services offer an optional 800 service.

Can I receive pages from a payphone?

You should be able to receive pages from any touch-tone telephone.

Can I keep the same pager telephone number if I switch from one pager type to another?

As long as you stay with the same paging service, you may keep the same number.

Where should my pager work?

You may have local, regional, or nationwide service areas.

Can I receive pages if someone calls my pager from outside my area?

As long as the actual pager is in the service area, you should receive pages from any touch-tone phone.

Why does the numeric messaging device go off and sometimes have a blank screen, or other characters on the screen, but no number?

Someone may have dialed the messaging device number without touch toning in his or her phone number. Alternatively, they may have waited too long to touch tone in their phone number, or may have been trying to page using a rotary dial phone.

Why do I sometimes receive garbled or mixed up text messages on my word messaging device?

Messages may occasionally be "garbled" if you are in an area that is receiving a weak signal. In some instances, there may be something wrong with your messaging device.

Why am I having problems receiving pages in my building?

Some buildings are constructed in a way that inhibits the penetration of a paging signal. For instance, some hospital rooms / areas are heavily protected for radiation that the paging signal will not always penetrate the building.

I am in a basement of a building; will I receive my pages?

Maybe. Sometimes the basements of buildings are difficult for a signal to penetrate, especially if you are more than two floors down.

Will I receive messages when I am in the mountains?

Typically no. The paging system works on FM radio waves and may not penetrate mountains. If you are in the foothills, service will be intermittent. You may not receive all of your messages or you may receive "garbled" messages because the signal is not strong enough to register a message to your messaging device. For specific coverage information, reference local coverage maps.

Is it possible for me to receive pages through the Internet when I am outside the coverage area?

Although the Internet or email page may be originated from anywhere in the world, you must be in your designated coverage area to receive pages. If you wish to upgrade your service to regional or nationwide coverage, contact ProTel Customer Service at 1-888-453-4416.

Can I purchase a pager without service from ProTel?

You may purchase a pager without service from ProTel, but it will not be guaranteed to work on another service. You will also pay a higher price for the pager without a service agreement.

If I change service providers, can I keep the same phone number I am currently using?

No. Each service provider has its own block of numbers. If you change providers, you will be assigned a new number from that provider’s block of numbers.

Can multiple numbers access the same voice mail?

Each voice mail is separate and must be accessed by dialing the messaging device number to which it is attached.

Does adding a number expand my coverage?

No. Unless otherwise requested, each number will have standard "local" coverage.

How can I enhance my numeric pager?

Adding voice mail to any numeric messaging device enhances it. The caller will hear the subscribers' voice message telling them they can either leave a voice message or a numeric message at the sound of the tone.

What if I am out of town? Is there a cost to check my voice mail?

If you are calling long distance to your messaging device voice mail, you will incur long distance charges on your phone but not on your paging service.

What if I forget my security code? Can you tell me what it is?

To maintain the privacy of its customers, ProTel will not give out your access code over the phone. However, our programming department is able to reset the security code to allow you access. It will be necessary to verify your identity.

Is there a maximum time messages can be held?

Yes, depending on the system you are on, you may select a voice mail storage package to meet your message storage needs. Available message storage plans generally range from 4-24 hours.

What is the character limit for sending alphanumeric pages?

Depending upon the messaging device/service of the number you are sending the page to, the limit is between 80 and 240 characters (including spaces).