Pejor Blast: Recent events in Lebanon and Syria have left many stunned after a series of explosions occurred on Tuesday. What makes these blasts even more shocking is the fact that they were triggered using pagers. This raises an important question: What exactly is a pager, and how was it involved in such a serious incident? This article delves into the nature of the pager, a device that once played a crucial role in wireless communication.
What is a Pager?
A pager is a small, wireless communication device primarily used to send or receive messages. Often referred to as a “beeper,” pagers were most commonly used during the 1980s and 1990s when mobile phones had not yet become widely available. These devices became an essential part of communication, especially in industries where timely messages were critical.
How Does a Pager Work?
Pagers operate through radio frequencies to receive numeric or alphanumeric messages. The device emits a sound or tone when a message is received, notifying the user. Unlike modern communication devices that rely on SIM cards and networks, pagers do not depend on cellular networks. This makes them reliable in scenarios where privacy and security are essential, such as in secret missions or high-security environments.
There are two primary types of pagers:
- One-Way Pager: This device only receives messages, and the user cannot send a response.
- Two-Way Pager: This version allows users to both send and receive messages.
Pagers have a long battery life, often lasting up to a week on a single charge. Surprisingly, even today, these devices can send and receive messages faster than some mobile phones.
Why Are Pagers Still in Use?
Despite advancements in communication technology, pagers are still used in several countries. Nations like the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Canada, and Switzerland continue to rely on pagers, especially in hospitals and health centers. Pagers are particularly useful in areas where internet coverage is weak or unreliable.
Why Were Pagers Used in the Lebanon Explosions?
The recent explosions in Lebanon have drawn attention to the reliability and anonymity of pagers. Since they operate without a SIM card or modern network infrastructure, they are seen as trustworthy devices for covert operations. In high-stakes situations, where communication needs to be discreet and independent of common networks, pagers prove to be an effective tool.
