Abstract: A paging receiver is provided which digitizes and stores received analog voice messages. The stored voice message may be retrieved by using a first switch for a normal playback mode, or by using a second switch for a fast forward and fast reverse playback mode. The fast forward and fast reverse playback modes are achieved by sequentially retrieving every N(th) message bit stored in memory.

Abstract: An individual desiring to operate a pager via voice commands sends a message to a repository of voice recognition codebooks requesting access to a particular codebook. The repository device(s) respond by transmitting the codebook of that individual to at least one pager, which stores the codebook therein. In a second embodiment, each individual operating a pager by voice commands is provided with a codebook module, which contains suitable memory storage having at least that operator's codebook stored therein. By inserting the codebook module (or card) into the pager, that pager becomes at least partially controllable by the voice commands of that operator. The codebook module may be easily removed to permit the communication device to be rapidly reprogrammed by inserting the codebook of another operator.