PageNet
Encyclopedia
Founded in 1981 by entrepreneur George Perrin, PageNet (Paging Network, Inc.) grew to become the largest wireless messaging company in the world, with more than 10 million pagers in service and $1 billion in revenues, before the paging industry's rapid decline in the late 1990s.
for PageNet's network were unsuccessful, as was a reorganization of the company engineered by McKinsey & Company
. Ironically, PageNet had an opportunity to purchase the network that went on to support the successful BlackBerry
service, but decided to team with Motorola instead.
As PageNet sank under the weight of its investment, the one-way paging market collapsed—with millions of former paging customers switching to digital cellular
and PCS
services, which cut prices dramatically while offering new features such as nationwide calling plans and text messaging
. Under its last CEO, John P. Frazee, Jr., PageNet was sold to Boston-based Arch Communications, which has since merged with Metrocall to form USA Mobility
Operations
Based in Dallas, PageNet held the distinction of building and operating the most extensive one-way paging network in the United States, growing to more than 90 offices across the United States. The company was known for its low-cost strategy and aggressive marketing tactics, although in its later years it positioned itself as a technology innovator as well. The company extended operations to Canada and Brazil.Financial Difficulties
PageNet's fortunes began to decline in the late 1990s, when the company spent nearly $1 billion to purchase additional spectrum and build out a new network designed to offer advanced services, such as voice paging and two-way paging. Products developed by MotorolaMotorola
Motorola, Inc. was an American multinational telecommunications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois, which was eventually divided into two independent public companies, Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions on January 4, 2011, after losing $4.3 billion from 2007 to 2009...
for PageNet's network were unsuccessful, as was a reorganization of the company engineered by McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company, Inc. is a global management consulting firm that focuses on solving issues of concern to senior management. McKinsey serves as an adviser to many businesses, governments, and institutions...
. Ironically, PageNet had an opportunity to purchase the network that went on to support the successful BlackBerry
BlackBerry
BlackBerry is a line of mobile email and smartphone devices developed and designed by Canadian company Research In Motion since 1999.BlackBerry devices are smartphones, designed to function as personal digital assistants, portable media players, internet browsers, gaming devices, and much more...
service, but decided to team with Motorola instead.
As PageNet sank under the weight of its investment, the one-way paging market collapsed—with millions of former paging customers switching to digital cellular
2G
2G is short for second-generation wireless telephone technology. Second generation 2G cellular telecom networks were commercially launched on the GSM standard in Finland by Radiolinja in 1991...
and PCS
Personal Communications Service
At the most basic level Personal Communications Service or PCS describes a set of wireless communications capabilities that allows some combination of terminal mobility, personal mobility, and service profile management...
services, which cut prices dramatically while offering new features such as nationwide calling plans and text messaging
Text messaging
Text messaging, or texting, refers to the exchange of brief written text messages between fixed-line phone or mobile phone and fixed or portable devices over a network...
. Under its last CEO, John P. Frazee, Jr., PageNet was sold to Boston-based Arch Communications, which has since merged with Metrocall to form USA Mobility