Another Look at Response Paging vs. Smart or Cell Phones
When time is the ultimate factor in delivering your critical messages to multiple people at multiple locations, response paging systems have the unique capability to instantly send these messages – simultaneously – to any group you designate. You can also immediately see who has received the message and how they are responding. Smart and cell phone apps just can’t do that. Because of their technology limitations, the mass delivery of messages through a cellular network can result in different delivery times for each device, and these delivery times can often be measured in minutes – time lost — that can be critical for emergency responders or healthcare providers.
Response paging systems also outperform cellular networks when it comes to broadcast reliability. Paging systems have superior coverage and penetration power, translating into better signal penetration in buildings, which means more reliable message delivery. How many times have you moved your location to try and get a better cell phone signal? Response paging systems also provide better coverage in rugged and remote terrain than cellular networks.
Smart phones have other drawbacks that limit their reliability for critical messaging. A smart phone’s interface can require users to take a number of steps to read a critical message, which can be difficult during emergencies. Busy first responders and medical professionals don’t need complexity with their critical messaging device. With a response pager, critical messages do not compete with e-mails, text messages, streaming video and other information received by a smart phone. Smart phones are great for looking up information, but not the best choice for critical alert messaging. Response pagers are much less costly, easier to use and solely designed to meet the demands of critical messaging.