fon-tec – Intelligent Mobile Phone & Cellular Activity Detection for Critical Environments
Early detection of unauthorized mobile phone activity. Zone-based alerts. Open interfaces.
fon-tec is the Gigahertz Security product line for passive mobile phone and cellular activity detection in restricted and security-critical environments. The system detects active mobile devices (2G/3G/4G/LTE/5G — depending on configuration) via their RF emissions, classifies events (e.g., “cellular activity in LTE band”), and triggers configurable alerts and operational workflows—for correctional facilities, government sites, critical infrastructure operators (KRITIS), industry/R&D and exam environments.
Fon-Tec builds on the proven HFA7 platform, enhanced with high-speed RF processing and Edge AI pattern recognition designed for cellular-typical signal behavior (short bursts, channel behavior, activity patterns) — focused on operational detection rather than slow spectrum scanning.
Why Mobile Phone Detection Has Become Essential
- Correctional facilities: contraband phones enable coordination, intimidation, smuggling and organized crime.
- Government and sensitive sites: risk of unauthorized recordings, information leakage and compromised devices.
- Industry & R&D: protection of confidential projects, prototypes and closed-door meetings.
- Exams and schools: preventing cheating and unauthorized communication.
- Critical infrastructure sites: policy violations and insider risk in sensitive operational zones.
Technology Approach: Passive Cellular Detection (Detection ≠ Interception)
fon-tec operates purely passively: it detects and classifies cellular RF activity (band, timing, activity behavior) to generate security-relevant events. It is designed for detection and alerting—not for intercepting content. This distinction is important: many organizations need enforceable “no phone” zones without creating systems that capture communications content. Fon-Tec supports transparent, policy-driven operations and can be integrated into existing security workflows.
What fon-tec detects
- Active voice/data sessions (cellular activity)
- Short cellular bursts (e.g., registration/communication activity, depending on RF environment)
- Hotspot/tethering indicators (as a risk pattern where relevant)
- Devices that transmit “briefly” (common in prohibited zones)
Standards and coverage (configuration dependent):
- 2G (GSM), 3G, 4G (LTE), 5G
- Optional inclusion of adjacent wireless context (e.g., Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) when needed for incident classification
fon-tec delivers a set of practical capabilities that turn unauthorized cellular activity into actionable operational signals. It provides early detection in restricted zones by identifying mobile phone and cellular transmissions as soon as devices start to communicate—acting as an “early warning” layer precisely where visual detection is difficult or impossible. To support real operations, Fon-Tec also offers zone-oriented guidance that helps teams quickly narrow down where activity is occurring using area and zone logic, enabling fast and efficient response even in complex facilities.
Beyond simple “signal present” alerts, Fon-Tec includes practical threat and proximity indication by evaluating activity intensity and behavioral trends, allowing incidents to be prioritized by operational relevance—for example repeated events or sustained transmission patterns. At its core, Edge AI classification adds an important layer of reliability: instead of relying only on raw signal level, Fon-Tec analyzes behavioral patterns and context to distinguish cellular-typical activity from common RF background sources, helping reduce false alerts and improving decision-making under time pressure. When a relevant event is detected, Fon-Tec supports real-time alerting and logging—acoustic, visual or tactile depending on the device and installation—while forwarding events to control rooms/SOC, security software and incident workflows, and operational dashboards or reporting systems where required. Detailed event logs provide the documentation needed for audits, investigations and escalation processes.
Fon-Tec is designed for both mobile and stationary deployments. The handheld version is a portable tool for rapid checks and situational awareness, ideal for security teams and patrols, spot checks and searches, and temporary operations such as events, exam phases or ad-hoc investigations. It delivers a fast overview of current cellular activity in the environment and supports immediate action on site. The stationary version is intended for permanent 24/7 monitoring in defined zones, such as cell blocks, corridors and entrances in correctional facilities, sensitive meeting rooms and secure areas in government environments, and R&D zones or controlled operational areas in industry and KRITIS settings. Multiple sensors can be networked to scale monitoring across larger sites and enrich the operational context for more reliable decision-making.
Open Interfaces and System Integration
Fon-Tec is designed as an integrated sensor layer, not a standalone island.
Interfaces (planned / optional, project dependent)
- REST API
- MQTT
- TCP/IP
- Cloud connectivity
- On-prem processing and integration
Typical integrations
- Control rooms / alarm servers
- Security software and incident management workflows
- Zone / access-control logic (policy enforcement workflows)
- Reporting / analytics platforms
fon-tec delivers the RF activity intelligence—your systems define the response.
RF Detection Expertise Made in Germany
23 Years of Innovation. Trusted Worldwide.
For more than 23 years, Gigahertz Security and its parent company have been developing and manufacturing high-precision RF detection systems in Germany. With numerous patents, full in-house production and strict quality control, we deliver robust, field-proven technology that exceeds industry standards.
Thousands of professionals across Europe and beyond rely on our analysers, network isolators and RF detection systems — from correctional facilities and military organisations to security integrators, building biologists and citizen initiatives.
Our AI-driven solutions are engineered to reveal even the most covert wireless threats, including drones, contraband devices and RF jammers, before they can cause harm. In a world where attacks unfold in seconds, early RF detection is essential.
We do not simply ship hardware — we build long-term partnerships. Our team supports you with consulting, training and service throughout the entire lifecycle of your RF security deployment.
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Let’s Secure Your Infrastructure - Together
Every site has its own RF threat profile. Whether you operate a prison, safeguard national infrastructure, manage a renewable energy project or protect a fleet of high-value vehicles — we design RF detection solutions that match your risk, scale and budget.
From handheld RF analysers to fully integrated multi-sensor networks, Gigahertz Security is your trusted partner for securing the invisible spectrum.