Abstract: A remote monitoring system uses a bi-directional pager communications system for monitoring remote monitoring stations. Each remote station includes monitoring hardware, data storage for recording data collected by the monitor and a pager for transmitting the data to a user through a commercial pager system. The pager also receives control signals from the user. The remote station may include control devices for altering the monitoring process or varying other operating parameters. As a data communications system, the bi-directional pager or digital cellular PCS modem can be mated to most any monitoring device. This allows for inexpensive monitoring because the need for frequent visits to the remote site is eliminated. Where a monitored site is not within an area covered by a host pager service, a mobile pager host is used as an intermediary for collecting monitoring data and delivering control data.