How to Choose Between a Pager and a Cellular Phone

In the ever-expanding realm of mobile communication, it can be difficult to decide what type of service to get. These guidelines will help you assess your needs and choose the right device.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pagers
• Cellular Phones

1. Decide what you're willing to spend and how immediate your mobile communication needs are.

2. Research various service packages for pagers and cell phones, and see what appeals to you.

3. Understand that pagers and pager services are generally less expensive than cell phones and related services.

4. Consider how often you'll have the device with you. Pagers are easier to carry, more appropriate in most settings, and easier to ignore when necessary.

5. Consider the availability of telephones in the areas where you travel. If you're often surrounded by readily accessible pay phones or other phones, a pager may be sufficient if anyone needs to get in immediate contact with you.

6. Investigate compromises such as voice mail and text pagers if you're having trouble deciding.

7. Ask a sales or service representative at a cell phone/pager retailer if you have any specific questions.

on 11/22/2005 All my friends and I have pagers (and yes we are high school students l0l) and during class we can send mesages to each other with out the teacher knowing and it doesn't matter what part of campus or the state we're in. Plus, pager codes are fun

on 11/22/2005 Get a cell phone! I have a service that offers voice mail with text messaging! That means I can get pages as well as e-mails on my cell phone! For an extra $7 a month I can send e-mails back with an Internet phone. I love my cell phone!