Subscriber Paging sells Motorola pagers for use on public paging systems, while Customer-Owned Paging provides complete paging system solutions, including pagers, to organizations who decide to purchase their own systems for private use. The primary differences between Subscriber Paging and Customer-Owned Paging are described below. Radio Common Carriers own and operate paging systems for use by the general public. RCCs provide local, statewide, nationwide, and in some instances international paging transmission and communication services. RCCs purchase Motorola pagers and typically place their own brand name on the product.
Subscribers typically pay a one-time activation fee and contract for monthly pager service.
Service charges are dependent on the coverage area required and the number of ancillary services, such as voice mail or alphanumeric messaging. RCCs also sell Motorola pagers through retail distribution channels, such as Service Merchandise and Target. When an individual purchases a pager through a retail distribution channel, they typically pay a one-time pager activation fee to receive paging service. RCCs possess their own FCC licenses, own and maintain their own paging infrastructure and pagers, and provide replacement pagers when leased. RCCs offer businesses basic paging service that usually covers a wide area, with a lower cost charged per subscriber.