Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for remotely monitoring and managing operation of a mobile device from a central command server, the mobile device receiving, at a radio interface layer (RIL), an electronic communication from the server, the electronic communication having a header containing one or more special characters that identify whether the electronic communication is one of a plurality of RIL commands or one of a plurality of conventional mobile communications, if the electronic communication is determined to be a RIL command, performing the instructions contained in the electronic communication using a command manager and by-passing the operating system installed on the mobile device. The RIL commands enable the central command server to reduce battery consumption, activate tracking of the mobile device, and place the mobile device in emergency operating condition when the mobile device is in a remote location or hazardous environment.