Radio coverage inside the building, where it is needed most.

Why radios fail indoors

Modern buildings are very good at keeping radio signals out. Reinforced concrete, steel framing, low-emissivity glass, and below-grade construction all weaken a signal. The places where coverage fails first, such as stairwells, basements, parking garages, and elevator lobbies, are often the places where first responders and your own staff most need to communicate.

How a BDA and DAS restore coverage

A bi-directional amplifier receives the radio signal from a rooftop antenna, boosts it, and distributes it through the building over a network of cable and indoor antennas known as a distributed antenna system. The amplifier works in both directions, so a radio deep inside the building can be heard outside as clearly as it can hear.

Emergency responder coverage and code compliance

Fire and building codes in many jurisdictions require new and renovated buildings to provide adequate radio coverage for emergency responders. FirstCom Radio performs coverage testing to measure signal strength throughout a building, designs an emergency responder communication enhancement system when one is required, and supports acceptance testing with the local authority having jurisdiction.

Coverage for your own team as well

The same approach solves everyday coverage problems for your own radios. Hotels, casinos, hospitals, warehouses, and high-rise properties use in-building systems so that security, engineering, and operations staff can talk from every floor.