Installing a DAS (Distributed Antenna System) is a smart move for most commercial and multi-use buildings. It helps keep cell service strong indoors, where signal usually struggles, especially in basements, stairwells, or buildings with metal and concrete structures.
But here’s the thing a lot of people forget: just like any other system in your building, DAS needs maintenance. It doesn’t just keep working perfectly forever.
Ignoring it can lead to dropped calls, poor data speeds, frustrated tenants, and eventually, a system that doesn’t do what it was designed for. Below are a few practical tips to help keep your DAS system in good shape.
1. Do a Signal Check Every Few Months
This doesn’t need to be high-tech. Just walking through the building with a phone can tell you a lot. If there’s suddenly a weak signal in a spot that used to be fine, that’s a sign something might be off.
You’re not checking for perfect bars everywhere, you’re looking for noticeable changes.
Some property managers do this casually during regular building walks. It doesn’t take long, and it helps catch issues early.
2. Schedule a Full System Inspection Annually
Every year, bring in a professional who knows DAS systems. They’ll:
- Test the signal at multiple points
- Make sure antennas are still aligned and functioning
- Check cabling and connectors for wear
- Confirm power supplies are working properly
- Look for interference from new construction or added devices
It’s like a tune-up. Even if everything seems fine, that yearly check can catch small problems before they turn into big ones.
3. Watch Out for Renovations or Layout Changes
Adding a wall? Installing new equipment? Even changing ceiling tiles? Those changes can mess with your DAS without anyone realizing it.
Why? Because DAS relies on signal paths, the way radio waves move through your space. Block the path, and part of the system might not work the same anymore.
If you’re planning a renovation, even a small one, flag it to your DAS contractor so they can advise if anything needs to be adjusted.
4. Keep Your DAS Documentation Handy
At some point, someone is going to ask:
- “Where’s the amplifier?”
- “What carrier frequencies are we supporting?”
- “Who installed this thing?”
If that info isn’t written down somewhere easy to find, you’ll lose time (and probably money) tracking it down. Keep a simple record:
- System layout or schematics
- Installer contact details
- Service history
- Approved carriers
It’ll make troubleshooting and repairs much faster later on.
5. Pay Attention to Complaints
Sometimes, your tenants or staff are the first to notice when something’s off. If someone says, “Hey, I’ve had no signal in the parking garage lately,” don’t ignore it.
Use those reports as clues. One person might be a fluke. Two or three? Time to investigate.
A quick walk-through or technician call might reveal something simple, a disconnected antenna, faulty cable, or power glitch.
6. Know Who to Call
This sounds obvious, but many buildings don’t have a clear point of contact for DAS support. When something goes wrong, the property manager ends up calling a general IT person who has no idea what DAS is.
Make sure someone on your team knows:
- Which company installed your system
- Who services it
- Who to call for different types of issues (signal, power, damage, etc.)
Put the info in your building manual or facility binder so it doesn’t get lost if staff changes.
7. Don’t Forget Carrier Changes
Over time, carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, etc.) sometimes shift their frequency bands. If your DAS was set up years ago and hasn’t been touched since, it might not support new frequencies, even if your equipment is fine.
During annual inspections, ask your technician if carrier support needs updating. Sometimes it’s just a software tweak. Other times, you might need to add or reconfigure parts of the system.
Wrapping Up
DAS systems are great, until they aren’t working right. The good news? They’re not high-maintenance. A little bit of attention, a couple of checkups a year, and staying alert to changes in your building is usually enough to keep things running smoothly.
Treat it like your HVAC or elevator system. It doesn’t need constant work, but it does need to be part of the plan.
Because when the signal drops and phones stop working, everyone notices.
