Abstract: A system for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system (CMR). A data message system includes reporting devices, a mobile switching center (MSC) of a CMR system, and a data collection system. The MSC receives data messages via the cellular network control channel from reporting devices operating within coverage areas of the array of cells and forwards the data messages via a first communications link to the data collection system. A paging acknowledgment system also can communicate both (1) paging messages and (2) acknowledgment messages to confirm reception of the paging messages. The paging acknowledgment system includes a communications system, remote communications devices, and at least one MSC of a CMR system. A remote communications device responds to a data message corresponding to a paging message by transmitting an acknowledgment message containing an acknowledgment code to the MSC via a cellular network control channel of the CMR system.