Importance

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Abstract

A paging system, including a number of central stations, each of which contains a number of pagers associated with it. Each pager responds to one or more identifying numbers so that a caller may send a paging message to one or more pagers, all of which respond to the same identifying number. The central station includes a profile of information for each pager. Paging information includes various identification numbers to which the pager responds, as well as selected types of services. Pagers can additionally restrict receiving certain pages, limit the number of received calls, and arrange for a transfer of their calls from one central station to another. The central station can also store voice messages providing an indication to the selected pager to retrieve voice messages. The central station utilizes a protocol which synchronizes the data and the time for each pager, and can then address messages to one or a plurality of pagers simultaneously, send messages to the pagers or control signals which can override local controls and enable or disable the local pager operation. Authorization can be required for a transaction. Billing for the processing and transmission of paging data is provided on a per call basis. Verification of transmission or a transaction for billing purposes can be via a page or over the telephone network to the caller or to a third party.

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First Claim