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Frequently
Asked Questions About Pagers
What is paging, and
how does it work?
Paging
is a radio signal set to one frequency (or set on one channel
on a regular radio). The signal is sent to satellites, which
broadcast the signal to repeating stations on the ground,
which relay the signal to your pager.
What
is numeric paging?
It
is the transmission of numbers: telephone numbers, or other
numeric codes selected by the user. All of our numeric pagers
will receive between 16 and 20 digits on the pager screen,
and allow you to receive a complete telephone number, so you
know where to call.
What
is alphanumeric paging?
It
is the transmission of both numbers and letters, so the pager
can receive text messages, email, and informational services
like news, sports and weather reports, as well as numeric
messages.
Will
my pager work everywhere?
No.
Even though the signal may be broadcast by satellite, a receiver
on the ground is necessary. To think of it in another way,
people who live in rural areas often have satellite dishes
to receive their television programs, even though ABC, CBS,
and NBC are large networks. When the pager
manufacturers can put the power of a satellite
dish into a pager, then it will work everywhere. That is the
reason we have coverage maps. So if someone tells you that
their product works everywhere, think twice before buying
from them.
Where
will my pager work?
It
will work within the areas shown on the coverage
maps.
Will
my pager work while I'm on an airplane, or on a cruise?
Sometimes.
It will depend on whether your pager is turned on and if you
are near a repeater tower (within its range) when the signal
is sent. If those factors are met, you should receive your
page. Nationwide Paging's alphanumeric and Two-Way pagers
will receive pages sent while you are on an airplane (or when
the pager is turned off for any reason) when you turn the
pager back on, as long as the page was sent within the last
3 days!
Do I need to change my number when I travel?
No.
Your pager telephone number works just like any other telephone
number. If the area code for a call is long distance for your
telephone, then it will be long distance for the caller to
your pager.
Will
my pager work if I move to another area?
If
it is within the coverage areas shown on our coverage
maps, the answer is yes. Check our coverage maps to make
sure.
Can
I get an 800 number for my pager?
Absolutely,
it may also be an 888 or 877 number which provide the same
toll free service as an 800 number.
Will
my pager receive messages while it is turned off?
Numeric
pagers will not receive pages while they're turned off, but
Nationwide's alphanumeric and Two-Way pagers will receive
pages sent within the last 3 days when they are turned back
on. With today's modern pagers, the battery life is very extensive,
so leave your pager on all the time.
What
equipment do I need to receive pages?
A
pager suitable for the type of paging, numeric, alphanumeric,
or Two-Way pager you select. If you want to send email to
a pager, or your own text messages, you will also need a regular
PC with a modem, or operator dispatch service.
What
if I lose my pager, will my number change?
We
can give you your existing number on a new pager. Of course,
you will need to buy another pager. If
you buy Nationwide’s pager protection, your pager will be
replaced for a minor deductible charge.
What
if my pager breaks, who will fix it?
If
your pager breaks within 90 days through no misuse, Nationwide
will repair it, or replace it at Nationwide’s option. Thereafter,
Nationwide will repair or replace your pager for a reasonable
charge. If
you elect to take Nationwide’s pager protection, Nationwide
will repair or replace your pager at no cost
to you as long as you return the broken pager to Nationwide.
Water damage is not covered.
Can
I pay for the paging service with my credit card?
Yes.
Nationwide accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
When signing up for your service, you can pay for everything
with your credit card, as well as your regular monthly service.
How
long does it take to get a pager?
Nationwide
can ship a pager to you so that you can receive it the next
day, or you can pick one up within 15 minutes.
Why
do I need a pager if I have a cellular phone?
In
a word, cost. Compare local paging service at a few dollars
per month with basic cellular service at as
much as four times more. Add usage and roaming charges
(paging service is usually a flat monthly fee), as well as
the cost of batteries, and cellular bills can soar.
In fact, many professionals today subscribe to both cellular
and paging services; they freely distribute their pager number
and then decide, when paged, if the call is important enough
to return by mobile phone. This approach helps hold
down cellular charges.
Do
you still have an unanswered question? Please email
our customer service department, or
call us at 1(800) 490-6555.
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