UK Paging Network
Critico owns, operates and maintains the UK’s only national paging network offering fast and efficient alerting for critical messaging applications. Using NP2P (Narrowband Point to Multipoint) technology the network is optimised for powerful and efficient broadcast alerting via a network of high-power transmitters across the UK.
Independent of public mobile networks, Critico’s national paging network provides a robust and resilience alerting channel that can be relied upon when you need it most, without risk of congestion from consumer traffic.
Paging’s unique capabilities mean it underpins critical and operational alerting and mobilisation processes of organisations across the public and corporate sectors, delivering robust and cost-effective alerting that you can rely on. With no per message charges, a range of device options and a host of sending and integration options, Critico’s paging network delivers when it matters.
Critico’s National Paging Systems
Our paging solutions offer several key benefits that make it an essential tool for businesses and facilities that require rapid and secure communication.
Key features:
Range of input options – web, API, email, DDI, bureau – make it easy to fit with your operational processes
Range of software integration APIs to support automated alerting from client systems
Independence from public mobile networks means it can be relied up during major events without risk of consumer congestion
Wide range of pager devices, including two-way paging and ATEX options
Can be integrated with other mobile messaging – SMS, app, email, telephone – for a multi-channel approach
No per message charges – flat rate service options make it easy to budget
Paging Networks – Let’s get technical…
Our paging service in the UK uses either POCSAG or FLEX protocols to transmit paging messages over the air to paging receivers. The first telephone pager system, patented in 1949 by Alfred J. Gross, marked the inception of dedicated text messaging long before modern mobile devices were developed, emphasizing its enduring relevance in critical communications, particularly for emergency services.
The POCSAG protocols can operate at three speeds, 512 bits per second, 1200 bits per second, or 2400 bits per second.
Flex protocol speeds are higher and use four-level modulation techniques to achieve 1600 bits per second, 3200 bits per second and 6400 bits per second. Each radio channel uses a narrow band 25KHz channel spacing that can support up to 50,000 uses representing a highly efficient use of the radio spectrum.
The ongoing evolution of paging technology showcases modern pagers’ advanced capabilities, such as real-time voice message relay and two-way communication.
The paging network operates in a broadcast mode that sends a message to each of the transmitters simultaneously. They have safeguards that prevent reductions in message processing and delivery speed, regardless of the volume of traffic, protecting the network at the input stage using sophisticated service controls and more radio channels to spread the traffic load.
Paging systems have played a pivotal role in delivering dedicated text messages, particularly in critical communications for sectors like emergency services.
Paging System – Fast Fact
We have 300 transmitting paging base stations around the UK that provide resilient coverage overlap in high population areas, and outdoor coverage in very rural areas such as central Wales, and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland where no other form of personal radio coverage is available, illustrating the continued relevance and utility of pagers in modern communication.
Get in Touch
For more information on how Critico’s paging solutions can benefit your organisation, contact us today to learn more about how we can tailor a system to meet your specific needs.