Despite being considered outdated technology, pagers continue to serve specific sectors in the UAE in 2024. Once a key communication tool for professionals like doctors and journalists from the 1980s to the late 1990s, pagers have not fully disappeared with the rise of smartphones. According to IT security expert Rayad Kamal Ayub, pagers are still valued for their safety, reliability, and minimal communication footprint. Unlike mobile phones, pagers operate on a private network, making them less susceptible to hacking and useful in low-signal areas.
Pagers remain especially relevant in hospitals for urgent communication and are safer alternatives in some scenarios, despite lacking modern encryption. However, their security has been called into question after incidents like Lebanon’s pager-related explosions. Experts like Ayub recommend sourcing pagers from trusted suppliers to avoid tampering.
Ultimately, while mobile phones dominate most communication needs, pagers still have a niche use due to their simplicity and security in critical environments.
