Why pagers?
In an age dominated by smartphones and instant messaging, the pager, or “beeper,” seems like a relic of the past. However, this small, portable communication device still holds significant value for certain groups, including Hezbollah. Let’s explore what a pager is and why Hezbollah continues to rely on this seemingly outdated technology.
At least nine people were killed in Lebanon
Recent news has highlighted a significant incident involving pagers. On September 17, 2024, hundreds of pagers exploded almost simultaneously across Lebanon and parts of Syria, targeting members of Hezbollah. This attack resulted in at least nine deaths and thousands of injuries. The explosions were reportedly part of a sophisticated operation, with small amounts of explosives hidden in the pagers.
The Lebanese health ministry has urged citizens to discard any pagers they possess and has called for blood donations to help the injured. The attack has been attributed to Israel, although the Israeli military has declined to comment.
This incident underscores the ongoing use of pagers by Hezbollah for secure communication, despite the risks involved.
What Is a Pager?
A pager is a compact device designed to receive short messages, typically numeric or alphanumeric, over a radio frequency signal. Before the advent of mobile phones, pagers were widely used by professionals such as doctors, journalists, and technicians. The device would alert the user with a beep, prompting them to find a nearby phone to respond to the message. Over time, pagers evolved to include small screens that could display messages directly.
How Do Pagers Work?
Pagers operate on a straightforward yet efficient mechanism. When a message is sent, it travels via radio waves to the pager, which then alerts the user. Unlike mobile phones, pagers are one-way communication devices, meaning they only receive messages and do not send any data back. This makes them less susceptible to tracking and interception.
Why Hezbollah Still Uses Pagers
Despite the technological advancements in communication, Hezbollah continues to use pagers for several strategic reasons:
- Low-Tech Advantage: Pagers are less traceable than mobile phones. They do not have GPS capabilities, making it difficult for adversaries to track their location.
- Security: Pagers do not send data back to a base station, reducing the risk of interception. This makes them a more secure option for sensitive communications.
- Reliability: Pagers can operate in areas with poor mobile network coverage, ensuring that messages get through even in remote locations.
- Evading Surveillance: Hezbollah uses pagers to avoid Israeli location-tracking and spyware. The group’s operatives are instructed to use pagers for internal communication to maintain a low profile.
Recent Developments
A recent cyberattack targeting Hezbollah revealed that the group had imported thousands of pagers from Taiwan-based manufacturers. These devices were later found to contain explosives, leading to deadly blasts in Lebanon. This incident highlighted the continued reliance on pagers and the lengths to which adversaries will go to compromise their security.
Conclusion
While pagers may seem outdated, their unique advantages make them a valuable tool for groups like Hezbollah. Their low-tech nature, security features, and reliability in challenging environments ensure that they remain relevant even in the digital age.
