Explained: Why Hezbollah still uses pagers in age of smartphones
What's the story
A series of pager explosions occurred across Lebanon on Tuesday, resulting in nine fatalities and over 2,800 injuries. The blasts were reported to have lasted nearly an hour, raising questions about how these small devices could detonate simultaneously. Shortly after the incident, social media was flooded with videos from CCTV and phones showing hospitals overwhelmed with casualties and images of damaged pagers.
Accusations
Hezbollah blames Israel for pager explosions
The militant group Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the attack, promising retaliation in response. However, the Israel Defense Forces has not issued any statement regarding these allegations. The incident has heightened tensions in the West Asian region, with fears of potential escalation. Notably, Hezbollah operates its own independent communication system, and suspicions have emerged since October that Israel has infiltrated it. This belief has gained traction following the assassination of several Hezbollah commanders through precision strikes.
Device history
Communication device from 1900s
Pagers, also known as beepers, were the first compact mobile communication tools to hit the mass market. These small box-like electronic devices enable users to receive messages and sound alerts. The first paging-like system was reportedly developed by the Detroit Police Department in 1921. Motorola coined the term "pager" in 1959 when it began manufacturing personal radio communications, combining elements of a walkie-talkie and car radio technology.
Current usage
Pagers remain relevant in certain sectors
Despite the prevalence of smartphones, pagers are still used in sectors like hospitals and emergency services. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine revealed that nearly 80% of hospital doctors surveyed used pagers. Half of the messages received through them were related to patient care. To recall, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom had faced backlash from employees when it ordered the removal of pagers, highlighting their importance for coordinating and delivering patient care.
Strategic choice
Why does Hezbollah prefer pagers over smartphones?
Hezbollah's preference for pagers over smartphones is due to their untraceability and simplicity. Six months ago, Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah urged Hezbollah members and their families in southern Lebanon to abandon their mobile phones for security reasons. He warned that cell phones could be used by Israelis as tools for collaboration and killing.
Analysis
Hezbollah's communication strategy
Hezbollah has been using a private, fixed-line telecommunications network since the early 2000s. The group relies on pagers to avoid interception by Israel and send encrypted instructions safely. Emily Harding, a former CIA analyst now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington, stated that forgoing cell phones makes Hezbollah members far more difficult to track. However, she noted that these countermeasures also make Hezbollah's leadership less effective at communicating rapidly with their troops.