The paging terminal is linked to numerous transmitters throughout the paging coverage area. When the terminal receives the message for a specific pager, it converts the message into a pager code and relays this code to all transmitters within the coverage area. The transmitters send out the code as a radio signal throughout the entire coverage area. The code is picked up by all the pagers on that particular radio frequency .
Alphanumeric pagers work basically the same way as numeric pagers.
This additional benefit eliminates the need to call a number or person back in order to get the message. This is a time and cost saver to many and also offers additional freedom and peace of mind as paging coverage area is usually significantly greater than cellular service. The message is entered into the system via a computer or specialized terminal. The signal is then sent by the paging tr ansmitter to the transmission towers which broadcasts the signal over the entire coverage area in the same way that a numeric message is sent. The terminal then sends the message as described above.