Cellular · DAS Los Angeles
DAS installation in Los Angeles
Multi-carrier cellular coverage and emergency responder radio systems for buildings across Los Angeles County.
The short answer
WCC designs and installs distributed antenna systems (DAS) in Los Angeles and across Los Angeles County: multi-carrier cellular coverage for AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, and emergency responder radio coverage systems (ERRCS) for fire code compliance. Cellular DAS typically runs $2 to $4 per square foot and ERRCS $1 to $3 per square foot.
The problem
Why LA buildings lose signal
Steel, concrete and low-E glass block cellular signal, so dead zones show up in conference rooms, stairwells, elevators, basements and parking structures. It isn't a carrier problem you can call in; the fix is a system designed for your building. For public safety radios, many jurisdictions in Los Angeles County, including the City of Los Angeles, require an ERRCS in buildings where first responders can't get a usable signal, and a failed fire inspection can hold up occupancy.
Systems
DAS and ERRCS options
| System | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Passive DAS | A signal source and amplifier feeding a network of coax and antennas | Small and mid-size buildings |
| Active and hybrid DAS | Fiber-fed remote units for consistent signal across large footprints | Hospitals, high-rises, campuses |
| ERRCS (public safety BDA) | Amplifiers and antennas that carry first responder radio channels indoors | Code compliance and fire inspections |
| Small cells | Carrier-owned units for targeted capacity | High-density spots, with carrier approval |
Signal boosters and DAS that rebroadcast carrier signal need carrier consent and must meet FCC rules. We coordinate those approvals as part of the project.
Who we serve
Buildings we cover in Los Angeles
Hospitals and medical offices
Clinical coverage for staff phones and pagers, plus ERRCS for inspections. Healthcare DAS
Offices and high-rises
Multi-carrier coverage on every floor, elevator and parking level. Enterprise DAS
Warehouses and logistics
Coverage for phones and handhelds across metal-heavy floors. Warehouse DAS
Government and education
ERRCS and cellular for public buildings and campuses.
Multi-tenant property
Coverage that serves every tenant's carrier.
Venues and casinos
Capacity for dense crowds and back-of-house operations.
How it works
How a DAS project runs
RF survey and design
Measure every carrier and public safety channel, then design antenna placement, cabling and head-end.
Weeks 1 to 3
Approvals and install
Carrier and permit coordination, then antenna, cable and amplifier installation alongside other trades.
Weeks 3 to 10
Acceptance testing
Grid testing for each carrier and ERRCS acceptance testing with the fire authority.
Closeout
Timeline
How long it takes
A single-building passive DAS typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from survey to final testing. Larger active systems, or projects waiting on carrier approvals, can take 6 to 12 weeks or more. ERRCS timing often depends on the fire authority's inspection schedule, so we plan it early. For budgeting detail, see the DAS installation cost guide.
ERRCS
What ERRCS projects involve
- Initial test: a radio coverage test shows whether the building needs a system at all.
- Design and permit: drawings and calculations submitted to the fire authority.
- Installation: amplifiers, antennas, cabling and required monitoring connections.
- Acceptance test: grid testing witnessed or reviewed by the fire authority.
- Annual testing: most jurisdictions require yearly retesting to keep the system in compliance.
Cost
What drives DAS cost
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Square footage and floors | More area means more antennas, cable and labor |
| Construction | Concrete, steel and low-E glass need more antennas |
| Carriers covered | Each carrier adds signal sources and approvals |
| Passive vs active | Active systems cost more but cover large buildings consistently |
| ERRCS bands | Public safety frequencies vary by jurisdiction |
FAQ
DAS questions
Does WCC install DAS in Los Angeles?
Yes. WCC designs and installs cellular DAS and ERRCS across Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, from RF survey through acceptance testing.
Is ERRCS required in Los Angeles?
Many Los Angeles County jurisdictions, including the City of Los Angeles, require emergency responder radio coverage in buildings where first responder signal is inadequate. Requirements vary by building and jurisdiction, so we confirm them with the fire authority.
How much does DAS cost in Los Angeles?
Cellular DAS typically runs $2 to $4 per square foot and ERRCS $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the building, carriers and system type.
Which carriers does a DAS cover?
Our designs typically cover AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, with coverage tested for each carrier at closeout.
Do carriers need to approve a DAS?
Yes. Systems that rebroadcast carrier signal need carrier consent and must meet FCC rules. WCC coordinates those approvals.
How long does a DAS installation take?
About 2 to 4 weeks for a single-building passive system, and 6 to 12 weeks or more for larger active systems or projects waiting on approvals.
Does an ERRCS need annual testing?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Emergency responder radio systems are typically retested every year to stay in compliance with the fire code.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Get a DAS assessment
Tell us about your building and coverage problems, and an RF engineer will scope a survey.