Pager channels can be used to route e-mail messages to remote paging switches for transmission to alpha-numeric page receivers. The pager channel will operate with paging switches which use the TAP dialup protocol (Telelocator Alphanumeric input Protocol; referred to as IXO). A dialup modem is used to communicate with remote paging switches.

As necessary, the pager channel will automatically fragment large messages into multiple pages so that no one page will exceed paging switch and page receiver size limits.³ The pager channel can also generate status reports and delivery acknowledgements.

TAP is primarily supported in North America. It is, however, finding a foot hold in other countries. For instance, the PMDF pager channel is reported to work in Ireland where TAP is also used. A subset of TAP, called PET (Pager Entry Terminal), is supported in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, The University of Melbourne has obtained certification from Telecom Australia for the use of PMDF's pager channels with Telecom Australia PET switches. See Section 26.4.1.6 for important directions on configuring pager channels for use with PET switches.