Cellular and DAS
DAS installation and in-building cellular coverage
Signal boosters, passive and active DAS, and public safety radio systems designed, installed and tested by WCC across California. Fix dead zones and meet fire code.
The short answer
WCC measures signal inside your building, picks the right system, installs it and tests it. Cellular DAS typically runs $2 to $4 per square foot installed and code-required public safety ERRCS runs $1 to $3 per square foot. Pricing both together saves pathway and labor cost.
What we deliver
In-building cellular, survey to sign-off
Concrete, steel and energy-efficient glass block cell signal, and carriers won't fix what's inside your walls. The fix depends on how much signal reaches the building and how big it is.
We measure first, so you don't pay for an active DAS when a booster system would do, or install a booster that can't cover the building.
Signal survey and design. Walk tests of every carrier, then iBwave or equivalent predictive design for antenna placement and coverage targets.
Signal boosters and passive DAS. Multi-carrier systems that amplify outdoor signal and distribute it through indoor antennas.
Active DAS. Carrier-fed systems over fiber for large venues, campuses and high-rises.
Public safety radio (ERRCS). Fire code coverage, fire authority coordination and annual testing.
Testing and support. Walk tests, sweep and PIM testing where required, monitoring and service.
System types
Which cellular system fits your building
| System | How it works | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Signal booster / passive DAS | Amplifies existing outdoor signal and spreads it through indoor antennas | Most offices, warehouses, clinics and retail with some signal outside |
| Active DAS | Brings carrier signal in directly and distributes it over fiber | Stadiums, large campuses, high-rises and very dense buildings |
| Small cell | A compact carrier cell site for a targeted area | Specific high-demand areas where a carrier supports it |
| ERRCS / BDA | Extends fire and police radio signal inside the building | Buildings required to meet fire code radio coverage |
Cost
What in-building cellular costs
$2–$4
per square foot, cellular DAS installed
Public safety ERRCS typically runs $1 to $3 per square foot, and a single mid-size building commonly lands at $30,000 to $80,000 from survey to fire marshal sign-off. Smaller buildings with good outdoor signal can sometimes use a booster system for less.
See full examples in the DAS cost guide.
- Outdoor signal
- Strong signal outside allows a passive system; little or none may require active DAS.
- Building size and materials
- Concrete, metal and many floors need more antennas and cable.
- Carriers supported
- Covering all carriers costs more than one, especially with active DAS.
- Public safety requirements
- ERRCS adds fire-rated components, backup power and testing.
- Pathways
- Open ceilings are easier than finished spaces and concrete risers.
Public safety radio
Do you need an ERRCS system?
When it's required
California Fire Code Section 510 requires emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings when the fire department's signal doesn't reach inside.
The local fire authority sets the details
What it involves
A signal test, a design approved by the fire authority, rated equipment with backup power, and acceptance testing.
Often a condition of occupancy
Annual testing
Installed systems must be tested every year and after building changes, with documented results.
We handle testing and reports
Why WCC
Why organizations choose WCC for cellular
The expensive mistakes are the wrong system for the building and a public safety design that doesn't pass. We measure first and design to what the fire authority and carriers require.
Measure before we design. Every carrier is walk-tested so the system matches the signal you actually have.
Right-sized systems. Passive where it works, active where it's needed, never oversold.
Public safety handled. Design, fire authority coordination, acceptance and annual testing.
One contractor for the building. We also install the cabling, Wi-Fi and security systems, so pathways and power are planned once.
How a cellular project runs
- Week 1Signal surveyWalk tests of every carrier and radio band.
- Week 2DesignSystem type, antenna layout and targets.
- Week 2–3ProposalScope, equipment, approvals and price.
- InstallInstallationAntennas, cable, amplifiers and power.
- HandoffTestingWalk tests, acceptance and documentation.
Services
Cellular services in detail
Cellular guides and related services
Pricing, code requirements and related services from the team that installs these systems.
By region: Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego.
FAQ
Cellular and DAS questions
How much does DAS installation cost?
In Southern California commercial buildings, cellular DAS typically runs $2 to $4 per square foot installed and public safety ERRCS runs $1 to $3 per square foot. A single mid-size building ERRCS commonly lands at $30,000 to $80,000 from survey to fire marshal sign-off. Smaller buildings with good outdoor signal can sometimes use a booster system for less. See the DAS cost guide.
What is the difference between a signal booster and a DAS?
A commercial signal booster, also called a passive DAS, takes an existing outdoor signal, amplifies it and spreads it through indoor antennas. An active DAS brings carrier signal in directly and distributes it over fiber, which suits very large buildings and venues but costs much more and needs carrier approval.
Which do we need, passive or active DAS?
If there is usable signal outside, a passive system usually covers buildings well past 100,000 square feet at a fraction of the cost. Active DAS makes sense for large venues, campuses and high-rises with heavy user density or almost no outdoor signal.
Is public safety radio coverage required in California?
New buildings and many major renovations must provide emergency responder radio coverage under California Fire Code Section 510 when the fire department's radio signal doesn't reach inside. The local fire authority sets the specifics, and systems need annual testing. See ERRCS public safety DAS.
Which carriers do your systems support?
Systems can support AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, plus FirstNet, across 4G LTE and 5G bands. Multi-carrier designs serve everyone in the building from one system, regardless of their carrier.
Do you handle carrier coordination?
Yes. For systems that need it, we submit documentation, coordinate signal sources and produce the acceptance testing carriers require, including sweep, PIM and walk tests.
How long does installation take?
A single-floor booster system can take one to two days. A multi-floor DAS typically takes two to eight weeks from design through testing, depending on size, carrier timelines and permits. Active DAS with carrier integration can take considerably longer.
Do ERRCS systems need annual testing?
Yes. Public safety radio systems must be tested annually and after changes, with results documented for the fire authority. WCC offers ERRCS annual testing.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Get a cellular signal assessment
An engineer walk-tests every carrier in your building and recommends the system that fixes it, with a line-item quote.