Metrotel has provided pagers and paging service to medical practices, businesses, and government agencies since 1987. Below are answers to the questions we hear most from customers considering a pager, adding a device to an existing account, or troubleshooting one they already own. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us or call 888-441-2616.
Pagers run on a dedicated paging network that's separate from cellular infrastructure, so they keep working when cell towers are jammed or down — a common failure point for phones during storms, mass-casualty events, or other regional emergencies. That's why hospitals, EMS systems, facilities staff, and government agencies still rely on them as a backup or primary communication tool. Pagers also offer longer battery life, better in-building penetration in some settings, and no risk of the distractions that come with a smartphone.
A numeric pager displays call-back phone numbers only — someone dials your pager number and their callback number shows up on the screen. An alphanumeric (text) pager can receive full word messages and email-style alerts, similar to a text message. Numeric pagers are generally the more affordable, no-frills option; alphanumeric pagers suit users who need actual message content, not just a number to call back.
Metrotel's nationwide paging network reaches roughly 97% of the U.S. population and has a track record of staying operational during events that disrupt cellular service. Coverage can still vary by location and building type, so check our coverage map for your specific area before ordering, especially if you're buying for use in a rural area or a large facility with heavy interior walls.
Yes — Metrotel offers pagers at no cost with select annual service plans. See current free-pager-with-annual-plan options for eligible models and terms.
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the device's frequency and whether the account tied to it is in good standing with its original carrier. Pagers bought secondhand — through an online marketplace or private seller — can sometimes be on a frequency that's no longer supported, or tied to an account that owes a balance and can't be reactivated. Before buying a used pager hoping to activate it with us, contact us with the pager's frequency and cap code and we'll confirm whether we can add it to our system.
Pager phone numbers work differently from cell and landline numbers. They're controlled by the paging carrier, not the reseller, so they aren't covered under the FCC's number portability rules the way cellphone numbers are. A pager number can't be transferred to or from a cell phone or landline, and it generally can't move between different paging carriers either (for example, from Spok to American Messaging).
If you already have a pager number with the same carrier we use and want to bring it to a Metrotel account, that's usually possible: the current account holder needs to complete a transfer-of-ownership form releasing the number, which we then submit to the carrier. If you're a reseller customer rather than a direct carrier customer, your current provider has to agree to release the number first — they aren't required to, but many will if asked. Contact us and we can tell you what's needed for your specific number.
One more thing worth knowing: pager numbers, unlike cell numbers, aren't guaranteed for life — a paging carrier can occasionally require a number change. We'd recommend not printing your pager number on anything that's hard to update later.
See our dedicated guide: How to reconnect or reactivate a wireless pager or beeper.
Start by deciding whether you need a callback number only (numeric) or full text messages (alphanumeric), then confirm coverage for where you'll be using it. Our pager buying guide walks through this step by step.
Dial the pager's phone number. At the tone, type the phone number (including area code) you'd like to appear on the pager, then press the pound sign (#). You'll hear a series of fast beeps confirming the page went through, and you can hang up. In most cases the pager alerts within 30 seconds to 5 minutes. If the pager has voicemail enabled, you can leave a spoken message instead — just speak after the tone and hang up, without pressing #. To send a text message to an alphanumeric pager, you'll need the pager's email domain, which varies by network; contact us if you're not sure which one applies to your pager. Note: keeping the pager at least six feet from a computer or computer screen helps avoid reception interference.
Yes. When voicemail is active on your pager, callers can either type in a callback number as usual or leave a spoken voicemail message, just like a cell phone. Once they hang up, your pager alerts you, showing your own pager number — that's your signal a voicemail is waiting.
To listen to your voicemail: call your pager phone number, and when the operator/greeting comes on, enter your 4-digit access code when prompted. To record your own custom greeting (the message callers hear when they dial your pager number): call your pager number, enter 0 while the operator is speaking, enter your 4-digit access code, enter 11 for greeting mode, then 30 to begin recording, press 1 to stop, and enter 40 to play back what you recorded.
To retrieve numeric pages by phone instead of voicemail (numeric retrieval): call your pager number, enter your access code, then dial 14, then 3 to hear your last several numeric pages.
To change your 4-digit access code: dial 173, then enter your new 4-digit code, then press #.
If you forget your access code: try the last 4 digits of your pager's cap code, often printed on the back of the pager or in the paperwork it came with. If that doesn't work, contact us and we'll help you reset it.
Call forwarding routes calls placed to another number — like an office or cell line — to your pager, so you can be reached at one number no matter which device picks up the page. Learn more about Metrotel's call forwarding options.
Call us right away at 888-441-2616 — in most cases a coverage adjustment or a battery replacement resolves the issue. If we can't fix it remotely, we'll arrange an exchange or repair option.
See current pager service plans for term lengths and pricing. Plans range from short-term coverage to annual prepaid service, with free-pager options available on select annual plans.
Yes. Bulk discounts are applied automatically at checkout: save 5% on any online order totaling $500 or more, and 10% on any online order totaling $1,000 or more. This is a common fit for medical practices, assisted living facilities, colleges, and other organizations ordering multiple pagers at once. If your organization needs a larger custom program — special rates, a dedicated contact, or ongoing support for a multi-user rollout — request a quote and we'll put together pricing for your account.
Yes — request a quote and we'll put together pricing for your account, whether that's a single device or a multi-user paging program for a facility, department, or practice.
Yes — see our service agreement for terms covering business, medical, and government accounts.
Metrotel accepts returns for a refund within 30 days of receipt, less a 15% restocking fee based on the total amount paid. Shipping fees are non-refundable. Items may be exchanged for full credit within 60 days of receipt. Since Metrotel doesn't charge an activation fee, there's no activation fee to refund.
If your pager fails under normal use during uninterrupted service (suspended or disconnected accounts aren't covered), Metrotel will repair or replace it at no additional charge, at our discretion. This covers malfunctioning and non-receiving pagers. Cosmetic, liquid, and physical damage aren't covered under this plan — ask about a no-fault protection plan option if you'd like coverage for those situations too. If your exact pager model is no longer available, there may be a small upgrade fee to exchange it for the current model. Note: opening the pager or making aftermarket case/housing changes voids this coverage.
If you're a doctor or other professional who can't be without your pager, consider ordering a spare pager along with your primary one — if your pager is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, we can move your pager number to the spare with a quick phone call, so you're not waiting on a replacement to arrive.
Metrotel has provided pagers and paging service since 1987 to customers ranging from individual consumers to large medical practices, corporations, and government agencies, including federal accounts. As other providers have exited the paging industry, Metrotel has continued operating and supporting its customer base.
Call 888-441-2616, or reach us through our contact page. Customer service inquiries are typically resolved within 24 hours.