Matrix what ..., Hacking Nabo's commlink in "On The Run Options

[codemonkey_uk]

I am currently prepping to run the adventure "On The Run".

Part of the background for the "WHO’S SELLING?" scene goes as follows:

"Since getting to talk to him directly is probably not going to happen since he’s surrounded by handlers, bodyguards, and his old gang, the team’s best bet is probably to hack his commlink and see if they can track the source of the email back to its originator. To do this, they’ll need to get into the (sold-out) concert, sneak back- stage, break into Nabo’s dressing room, and successfully hack his commlink to get the information they’re looking for, all without attracting the attention of Nabo’s security, bodyguards, handlers, and gang hangers-on."

Can anyone explain to me why close physical proximity to Nabo's commlink is required to hack it? I don't get it, and it's a pretty major scene in the adventure. Why can't the group hacker locate a device on the matrix, and hack it remotely?

Thanks