FAQs

Pager Types
Repairs and Warranty
Spare Parts, Accessories & Equipment
Batteries
Reliability
Why a Pager?
Cost of using a pager
General

Pager Types

What is the difference between a numeric and an alphanumeric pager?
A numeric pager can only receive numeric messages. Numeric paging allows a pager to receive a telephone number or other chosen pre-determined numeric message (up to 12 digits). An alphanumeric message pager can be paged with both numeric and text messages. Alphanumeric paging allows a pager to receive a text message including numbers of anything up to 240 characters.

Can I buy a pager with no ongoing monthly charges?
Yes, TH Comms offer a CPP (Calling Party Pays) range of products. The TH Comms CPP range allows you to purchase the pager pre-activated on the PageOne network, with your own unique CPP number. Pay a once-off purchase price and benefit from no ongoing monthly rental charges.

Can I buy pagers from TH Comms and connect to any network provider?
Yes, TH Comms is network independent and can provide hardware on a large selection of frequencies for wide area and onsite systems. Contact TH Comms for more information.

Do you offer a business pager that conforms to EEC Intrinsically safe standards?
TH Comms can offer the Intrinsically Safe alphanumeric pager, which conforms to EEC CENELEC standards and withstands extreme temperatures.

How does one send a message to a pager?
There are various options available pending if you have a tone, numeric or alpha pager.

• Direct Dial - using a tone signal telephone, a caller can send messages in numeric or tone form.
• Call Centre Services - The caller dials the pager number and is answered by an operator; details of the message are entered into the system and the message is transmitted to the pager.
• Direct Access - Alphanumeric messages can be sent direct from your PC or other data terminals directly into the PageOne network, via SNPP, TAP, SOAP/XML.

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Repairs and Warranty

What kind of warranty is offered on my pager?
TH Communications offer 12-months warranty on all pager hardware purchased from the date of delivery and 3 months for pagers sold as cosmetically damaged. Warranty covers parts and workmanship but excludes pagers that have been physically damaged by dropping or crushing or by exposure to moisture. Please refer to TH Comms Terms & Conditions.

What warranty cover do you offer on repairs?
TH Communications offer a 3-month warranty on all repair work carried out from date of delivery.

Who is authorised to repair my pager if it goes wrong?
TH Communications is an authorised Motorola and Unication Service Centre. We are authorised to repair any pagers within warranty.

Can I keep the same pager number even if I need to replace my pager?
If your pager is damaged beyond repair we will make all attempts to retrieve the number for transfer to your new hardware. For technical reasons, this process is not always possible.

Can you help me if I forget my pager number?
Our technicians can either trace the pager number by the serial number on the back of the pager, or read the pager number with specialist equipment. To request this service, please contact customer services at thcomms@pageone.co.uk

I haven't used my pager for a year, and now it doesn't seem to work?
It is recommended that you use your pager at least every 3 months in order to check that it is working correctly. Should you lapse over this period, and you find that your pager appears to have lost its connection; you should contact your network provider.

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Spare Parts, Accessories & Equipment

Do you have any accessories to help reduce the risk of losing my pager?
TH Comms have a large selection of lanyard chains and bungees, which can be attached to your pager to ensure your pager is secure.

I have lost the holster and battery door for my pager?
TH Comms can supply Motorola and Unication pager parts on the majority of pager models. We hold a large stock of parts. Contact TH Comms to discuss your requirements.

Do I have to pay for a spare user guide?
No, you can download a user guide free of charge from our website. Should you wish to purchase paper copies, you can order these at a nominal charge.

Do you provide programming equipment and software?
Yes, TH Comms have a selection of programming equipment and software; contact TH Comms direct to find out more.

My pager has become badly scratched; can I get the plastics replaced?
Yes, TH Comms provides a large selection of pager parts for a number of pager models. Contact us at thcomms@pageone.co.uk for specific parts information.

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Batteries

How long does the battery last?
A battery will typically last between 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I use rechargeable batteries?
We recommend using a good named battery and not rechargeable ones.

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Reliability

Will a pager receive a message anywhere?
A pager will receive a message as long as it is switched on and in range of a paging transmitter. A pager will not receive a message if it is switched off, out of coverage, or if the signal has been disrupted. It is important to note that the person sending the message will not know if the receiving pager is switched off. For more information on the coverage contact your network provider.

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Why a Pager?

Why do I need a pager when I have a mobile telephone?
For the following reasons, many people have discovered the value of carrying a pager alongside a mobile phone:

• Messages can be received and discreetly screened for urgency and convenience of response.
• Increased reliability: a significant number of calls made to mobile phones fail to connect.
• Better coverage: the PageOne network covers 98% of the population and pagers also have better in-building coverage than mobile phones.
• Reduced costs: it is estimated that up to 50% of messages are one-way in nature and do not need a return call/conversation.
• Broadcast messaging: pagers have the unique facility of allowing messages to be simultaneously sent to a large number of people.
• The use of pagers is permitted in certain areas where mobile phones are banned from use.
• Battery life is considerably longer: up to six weeks in a pager, compared to a day or two in a mobile.
• Pagers tend to have better coverage overall but most especially in buildings.
• Running costs can be significantly lower.
• Pager messages can be more discreet and unobtrusive.
• There are no known health concerns associated with pager use.

How does paging coverage compare to mobile phone coverage in the UK?
The PageOne network provides fast and reliable messaging to cover 98% of the population. PageOne transmits on a different frequency and currently provides better national and in-building coverage than the mobile phone networks.

Can someone contact me when they are outside the UK?
Yes. Provided your pager is active and you are within the coverage area, you can be contacted. Your caller must insert the UK Dialling Code in front of your pager number.

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Cost of using a pager

How much does it cost to send a message to a pager?
Calls to business pagers are charged at a minimum of 4.2p per call. Calls to CPP pagers are charged at 42.5p per minute at all times.

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General

Are there any health risks involved in owning a pager?
No, there are no known health issues surrounding the use of pagers. Unlike mobile phones, pagers do not 'transmit' messages and are, therefore, not subject to the microwave radiation emitted by mobile phones.

I have missed a message can I have it read out to me?
No, but we can ask the bureau to retransmit the message to you. We are unable to read the messages over the telephone due to Data Protection Act 1988.

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