Vertical: Education/Public Safety
Application: Real-time threat detection, emergency response
Ecosystem: Wytec, Lemko, Nextivity
Private Network: LTE, CBRS
Wytec International is rolling out an innovative private network solution to revolutionize school safety through its AI-powered gunshot detection system. This April 2025 pilot program in Texas school districts represents a significant advancement in utilizing private wireless networks for critical public safety applications.
At the heart of this deployment is Wytec’s distributed AI technology, which has demonstrated remarkable accuracy in early testing. The company’s smart sensor system has achieved over 90% detection accuracy across 500,000 test samples, far outperforming conventional solutions. Unlike traditional video-only systems that typically struggle with reliability, Wytec’s approach utilizes multiple sensor types and has achieved positive detection rates ranging from 85% to 95% in real-world environments such as schools and playgrounds.
The technical architecture combines several advanced elements working seamlessly together. The system is built around Wytec’s patented small cellular base station that quickly processes data from various sensors and cameras, providing real-time information to school security staff via a mobile app. This private network infrastructure utilizes the FCC’s Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum to provide secure, interference-free wireless connections.
What sets Wytec’s solution apart from competitors is its comprehensive sensor integration. Beyond just detecting gunshots, the system can identify smoke, fire, dangerous chemicals, and is even being developed to detect THC and other substances. This multi-threat approach provides schools with a single platform for monitoring various potential dangers, creating a more complete safety ecosystem.
The AI component is particularly sophisticated, using “distributed AI” algorithms and “smart sensor” technology specifically optimized for school environments. These algorithms analyze multiple data streams simultaneously, enabling school administrators to have dashboard access to visual, auditory, and airborne biological and chemical detection capabilities.
Wytec’s private network deployment for this project involves strategic partnerships with industry leaders. The company is collaborating with Lemko Corporation to provide the private LTE network components and Nextivity Inc. for in-building cellular solutions. This collaborative approach brings together more than 75 global patents related to AI, machine learning, smart sensors, wireless connectivity, and cloud management.
The development of this technology was accelerated in response to the tragic May 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which highlighted the urgent need for better school security systems. Since then, Wytec has added five provisional patents for its AI software and methods and is preparing to launch pilots in multiple school districts.
The April 2025 pilot program represents the culmination of these efforts, with 43 Texas Independent School Districts requesting inclusion in the company’s Gunshot Pilot Program. The pilot will demonstrate the system’s capabilities in real school environments, providing valuable data for further refinement before wider deployment.
Looking beyond the initial pilot, Wytec has submitted a proposal to the North Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to provide gunshot detection solutions for 1,207 Texas ISDs as part of the TXShare Cooperative Purchasing Program. This expansion could significantly increase the reach and impact of the technology across the state.
The private network infrastructure is crucial to the system’s effectiveness, providing reliable, secure communication without the vulnerabilities of public networks or traditional Wi-Fi. By communicating via a private, secured wireless network, the system ensures that critical safety information remains available even during emergencies when public networks might be congested or compromised.
For school administrators, the system offers unprecedented visibility into potential threats. When an incident occurs, the mobile application displays the event’s location and provides real-time video and audio, allowing staff to quickly assess the situation and respond appropriately. This immediate access to detailed information can significantly reduce response times during emergencies.
