Abstract: In order to interface diverging paging networks, a gateway is established which includes a rules engine for applying rules to received packets. Each rule includes matching, modifying and routing elements for identifying and handling received paging packets. When a packet is received, it is first determined if the packet is matched to a first, matching element of one of a set of previously established rules. If, the packet is matched to the first element of a given rule, it is modified in accordance with the second element of the given rule and forwarded in accordance with the third element of the given rule. However, if the received packet is not matched to a matching element of any of the rules, a default rule is applied during the modification and forwarding procedures. User invokable procedures are provided by which rules can be modified or new rules can be added.