Paging network to close – Part II

In last month’s Apropos we ran an article about Spark’s announcement they are to switch off New Zealand’s paging network in March 2017.

At the time there was little to say other than it is happening. Really it was of no great surprise with the only difference now being that we finally have a date and it is not that far out. Businesses need to plan the future as soon as possible.

Over the last month we have touched base with a number of people, both users and in the industry and asked them what they are doing for a paging replacement. While the picture is not clear, we can report on some options out there and even a rumour.

Firstly you should be aware of a number of constraints that may apply to whatever the replacement solution is. These include:

• Radio coverage area
• How long a message takes to be delivered
• Reliability
• Device specifics such as cost, size, shape, weight, battery life before recharging, ability to clip on clothing and robustness

So, what are the options we have been told about?

• The smartphone app. This is the most commonly quoted replacement option but it is not the only one and is not necessarily always suitable. Some of the solutions we have researched are a straight data app and some are a hybrid of data app and TXT messaging. Things to consider include;
  • Check any network coverage issues – mobile phone network and WiFi
  • How fast and reliable is delivery for critical services
  • Network congestion that could impact on delivery – how critical is the impact
  • Smartphones can be costly to provide. Neither are they very robust
• Install your own private paging network (transmitters) – it is not uncommon for hospitals to do this to cover their own campus;
  • What are the investment and operating costs
• Mobile radio (also known as R/T radios) – The more recent versions of these (eg DMR) include TXT messaging;
  • Are robust and separate to consumer usage patterns experienced on mobile phone networks
  • Requires investment in radio coverage and devices
  • Devices may not suit users
• Satellite uplink/downlink to trigger a locally owned paging transmitter. One South Island company we talked to advised they are already putting this in place. This would suit a business with a number of widely distributed sites that only needs a modest coverage area around each one. A similar system is already successfully used by Fire and St John ambulance

 

And the rumour? We hear that there may be some pressure now on government to apply “encouragement” and/or funding to Spark to keep the network active for another few years. This would be to allow Emergency Services additional time to come up with a suitable solution and transition to it. For the Emergency Services, “seconds costs lives” so performance and reliability are critical.

Nothing changes the challenge for businesses. One way or another there is change coming. You need to have a clear view of how you are using paging today, your business needs for today and the future and develop a strategy. Without this it is all just guesswork.

Let us know if we can help you understand your business needs and what options may suit your business.