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11/10/2015

Wi-Tronix: New mobile phone detection system

Wi-Tronix® has launched a Mobile Phone Detection System that integrates into its Wi-PU™ and detects mobile devices located in a locomotive’s cab that transmit or receive communications over cellular frequencies.

Whether a train is stopped in a station or moving, the system can identify the following types of communication on powered and transmitting cellular devices: receiving an inbound phone call, placing an outbound phone call and communicating data. 

The Mobile Phone Detection System uses custom algorithms to ensure the cellular signal is originating from inside the cab, not from surrounding locations.

If a cellular signal is detected in the cab, rules based on a railroad’s specific mobile phone policies are applied in order to determine if a possible safety violation has occurred. If a possible violation is detected, the Wi-PU generates a log and sends a notification to a pre-determined list of approved individual(s). 

The feature allows each Wi-Tronix customer to meet their individual business needs of monitoring compliance to mobile device and cell phone policies.

Wi-Tronix Software as a Service allows customers to remotely access data via regularly scheduled reporting updates, on-demand and subscriptions to notification alerts.


The Mobile Phone Detection System can help railroads comply with a Federal Railroad Administration emergency order and monitor compliance with other regulations by promptly alerting appropriate personnel of potential distracted operations. This can allow a railroad to take corrective action and make operations safer for crews, passengers and the public, according to Wi-Tronix.