In emergencies, every second counts. Reliable communication can mean the difference between life and death. Yet, in countless buildings across the Intermountain West, dead zones for cellular signals persist, jeopardizing the safety of occupants and first responders alike. The solution to this pervasive problem lies in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) for cellular coverage and Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) for public safety radio signals—two technologies that are critical components of public safety infrastructure.
The Growing Demand for Reliable Communication
Clear and consistent communication is essential during emergencies, but many buildings—especially large commercial facilities, hospitals, schools, and underground structures—lack adequate coverage. This can delay emergency response times, disrupt coordination, and create dangerous situations for both building occupants and first responders.
DAS and ERCES address this issue by amplifying cellular and radio signals throughout a building, ensuring that emergency personnel and the public can communicate without disruption. With increasing reliance on wireless communication, the demand for these systems continues to grow across industries and municipalities.
Challenges in Implementing DAS and ERCES
While DAS and ERCES are critical for safety, integrating them into buildings comes with challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards, which vary by jurisdiction. Fire marshals and code officials play a key role in determining system requirements, and building owners must navigate these regulations to ensure their properties meet safety standards.
Another challenge is securing funding and resources for installation. While businesses often implement DAS to improve cellular coverage, ERCES is a mandated public safety requirement in many areas. However, building owners and developers may not always be fully informed about these requirements, leading to gaps in compliance and coverage.
Public Safety and Legislative Efforts
Recognizing the importance of reliable emergency communication, lawmakers and industry organizations continue to push for stronger regulations and funding support. In Utah, House Bill 84 seeks to streamline the adoption of public safety technology, including ERCES, to ensure first responders have uninterrupted radio communication inside buildings. Organizations like the Safer Buildings Coalition also advocate for policies prioritizing In-Building communication infrastructure, helping set standards that improve public safety.
Why Cellular Coverage Matters for Public Safety
Historically, emergency responders have relied on two-way radios to communicate during crises. While these systems remain essential, the increasing use of cellular networks for emergency alerts and first responder coordination has made DAS a crucial part of modern safety infrastructure.
FirstNet, a dedicated network for first responders, is one example of how cellular technology is evolving to support public safety. However, for FirstNet and other networks to function effectively inside buildings, DAS is needed to ensure reliable signal penetration. Meanwhile, ERCES remains the backbone of emergency radio communication, enabling firefighters, police, and medical personnel to stay connected when responding to incidents.
Learning Together: Understanding DAS and ERCES
As technology and regulations evolve, building owners, facility managers, and public safety officials must stay informed about DAS and ERCES requirements. Hunt Electric’s DAS Manager, Jared Vance, and his team work closely with industry professionals to support education and collaboration in this space. Through discussions, training sessions, and real-world case studies, they help stakeholders navigate the complexities of In-Building communication systems. We can work together to enhance safety and compliance by fostering these learning opportunities.
We believe that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are critical to improving public safety. If you have questions about DAS or want to learn more about how it fits into emergency preparedness efforts, we encourage you to connect with us.
Adapting to Future Needs
The rapid advancement of communication technology means that DAS and ERCES must continually adapt. The transition from 3G to 5G has already driven new infrastructure needs, and future developments will require ongoing updates to maintain reliability. While no system is truly “future-proof,” proactive investment in DAS and ERCES ensures that buildings remain prepared for evolving safety standards and communication technologies.
Next Steps: Prioritizing Public Safety Communication
Ensuring reliable communication in emergencies is not just a technical challenge—it’s a public safety necessity. As building codes and safety requirements continue to evolve, now is the time to assess whether your facilities provide the coverage first responders and occupants need in a crisis.
If you’re looking to understand DAS and ERCES better, evaluate your building’s current communication infrastructure, or explore solutions tailored to your needs, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to enhance public safety and keep our communities