Abstract: The user of a new pager places it into "registration mode" by commands entered through the pager's user interface. In registration mode, the pager displays a previously stored identification code and begins rapidly searching through a list of candidate paging channels. The user then telephones the paging system clearinghouse and provides the identification code. Upon receiving this information, the paging system broadcasts an initialization message addressed to the new pager. Included in the message may be initialization data, such as a list of alternative frequencies on which the paging data may be found. The pager quickly receives this message (due to its rapid searching operation) and stores any initialization data in data registers for future reference. The pager then displays a message to the user confirming the pager's proper operation.