Everything in a building can look perfect on the surface, clean floors, working lights, the HVAC is hummin, but then someone pulls out their phone and says, “I have no bars in here.” That’s where the real problems start.
A lot of buildings suffer from poor indoor signal. Sometimes it’s cell phones, sometimes it’s radios. Most of the time, it’s both. And the cost of not fixing it? It’s bigger than most people expect.
We’re talking about DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) and BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifiers). Two systems people often ignore until it’s too late.
What These Systems Do
- DAS helps spread cellular signal inside buildings where walls, floors, or materials block the signal from outside.
- BDA improves two-way radio signal, especially for firefighters, police, or EMTs working in stairwells, basements, or other hard-to-reach areas.
They’re not decorative. They’re not “upgrades.” These systems are essential in certain types of buildings, and required in many cities.
What Happens When You Don’t Install Them?
Let’s get straight to the point. If you skip these systems, or assume you won’t need them, here’s what you’re risking.
1. Failed Building Inspections
A lot of local fire departments now run signal tests before giving final approvals. If they can’t get radio signal inside your building, especially in stairwells and basements, you’ll fail. That means:
- You can’t get a Certificate of Occupancy
- Your opening date gets pushed back
- Everyone’s schedule shifts
Fixing this last minute usually means tearing into finished walls or ceilings. It’s not cheap. And it never fits neatly into your timeline.
2. Risk During Emergencies
If emergency responders can’t talk to each other inside your building, it creates real danger. There have been cases where people got hurt because radios failed inside large buildings. That’s not just a tragedy, it can also lead to lawsuits or legal action if required systems were missing.
3. Unhappy Tenants or Occupants
People expect signal everywhere now. If mobile reception drops inside your office, store, or apartment complex, they notice. You might hear complaints, or see shorter leases, or lose business altogether. Tenants want to work, call, stream, and text without walking outside to do it.
4. Expensive Retrofits
Let’s say you find out after the fact that signal is a problem. Now what?
- You’ll need a site survey
- Then permits and code approvals
- After that, cable runs through finished walls
- Then patching, painting, ceiling repair, and labor that costs more after hours
The price tag can double or even triple compared to just including it during the original build.
So Why Do People Skip It?
Usually, it’s not intentional. A developer thinks it’s the MEP’s job. The GC thinks the architect already included it. The engineer assumes the signal will be fine.
By the time someone tests it, sometimes days before move-in, the options are limited and expensive.
When Should You Plan for It?
Early. Ideally during the design stage or before walls are closed up.
If you’re not sure whether your building needs these systems, you can:
- Ask your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
- Check the fire code, often it’s in IFC Section 510 or NFPA 1221/1225
- Bring in a certified DAS/BDA installer for a quick on-site test
Planning ahead gives you better pricing, better design, and fewer surprises.
Final Thought
These systems often go unnoticed, until they’re missing. And by then, it’s usually too late to fix things without cost, delay, or stress.
Including a DAS or BDA system from the start isn’t just a safety move. It’s a smart business decision. It protects your timeline, your budget, and the people who use the space every day.
If you’re designing or managing a new building, ask one question before it’s finished: Will phones and radios work everywhere inside? If the answer isn’t yes, it’s time to do something about it.
