The paging market mirrors the cellular phone market. The equipment has become more and more of a commodity over time, with service increasingly becoming the differentiating factor. Many dealers waive the pager activation fee or sell the units at a loss to attract new customers.

Depending on the plan, monthly service fees can range from $10 to $40 per month, with payment on a quarterly or annual basis. Service fees will also vary depending on whether you currently own a pager.

If you will be buying a pager, expect to pay $30 to $150 depending on the type of pager and accompanying features. Pagers can also be leased for a minimal monthly fee.

The coverage area will significantly affect the monthly service charge. Local service starts at less than $10 per month, while national service is priced closer to $30 per month.