If you are in the market for a new business phone system, you might have heard the terms intercom, paging, and PA system thrown around somewhat interchangeably. Whilst all are used to share instant voice messages there are some key differences you need to know about.

An intercom system lets you send audio messages to a single extension with two-way audio. This means the recipient can reply to you directly from their phone or web client. Delivery of intercom messages is instant, so the recipient hears a short beep, directly followed by the message. Intercoms or door phones are mainly used by occupants of a building to communicate with visitors and enable access to the building.

Like an intercom, paging also lets you deliver quick voice messages to your colleagues. Unlike an intercom, however, paging delivers one-way messages to ring groups, meaning you can broadcast to multiple extension numbers simultaneously, but they cannot automatically reply back. Overhead paging is typically used to make real-time announcements such as fire drills, visitor arrivals, emergency notifications or the start time of events. Perfect for quick announcements in open offices, warehouses, or retail floors.

A Public Address or PA announcement system is used to broadcast messages to large audiences at an amplified volume. The tannoy in an educational facility, for example, would be considered a PA. Essentially when someone talks about a PA System, they’re referring to a device installed on your premises that is capable of delivering intercoms and pages via a communications platform at an increased volume. Unlike standard paging, PA systems use dedicated speakers and amplifiers for larger areas.