Abstract: A method of transmitting paging messages over a paging system configurable to provide coverage over a primary geographic area or region and at least two subregions defined within the primary geographic region. The paging system consists of a plurality of paging transmitters that broadcast paging messages to the primary geographic region. Some of the plurality of paging transmitters are also assigned to broadcast to a particular subregion within the primary geographic area. During primary operation, for part of a predetermined period of time, all of the paging transmitters within the paging system simulcast paging messages to subscribers entitled to coverage over the whole primary geographic region. For a remaining period of broadcast time, each of the paging transmitters assigned to broadcast to a respective subregion broadcast paging messages intended for subscribers entitled only to paging coverage within that particular subregion.

Abstract: A satellite receiver includes a signal acquisition unit that is operative to receive a validation signal from a station controller located at a paging station. The satellite receiver is operative to lock onto a satellite signal. When the satellite receiver locks onto a satellite signal, the satellite receiver demodulates the satellite signal into a digital data stream that is forwarded to the station controller for packaging and retransmission as a page. The station controller includes circuitry to determine if the digital data stream is correct and intended for the station controller. If the digital data stream is correct, the station controller generates a validation signal and forwards the validation signal to the signal acquisition unit of the satellite receiver. If the digital data stream is incorrect, the station controller will forward a negative validation signal to the signal acquisition unit.