PBX Replaced By Cell Phones?

[yaesu_dave]

Hello . . . just wondering if anyone else on this forum has noticed a drop-off in the amount of PBX traffic on the Union Pacific frequencies of 160.290 and 160.605. I live in Northern Utah, and rarely (if ever) hear PBX calls anymore, with the exception of an occasional call on the old Southern Pacific frequency of 160.950. Have the PBX channels been rendered obsolete by the UP using cell phones instead of the radio? My guess is that the more remote areas would have spotty or no cell phone coverage, and that I'd at least hear a few calls on the PBX channels when the train is out of radio range with the dispatcher. Has anyone else noticed a reduction in PBX traffic, or is it just confined to my location? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[wrr20891]

Yep, I've noticed the same thing with UP in Arkansas. I'm within easy listening range of four different MOW towers and hear traffic VERY infrequently.

The UP lines here are near the Interstate system and those roads have pretty solid cell phone coverage. Guess it's more efficient for a MOW worker to carry a cell phone in their pocket instead of having to walk back to the truck to make/receive a call.