Feb 1, 2012 5:11 PM

Seth Buechley, president of SOLiD Technologies USA, called upon wireless industry peers to form a Shared DAS Coalition to establish a national policy framework for ensuring universal indoor coverage for public-safety radio service. The coalition, to consist of wireless service providers, public-safety organizations, wireless infrastructure trade associations, and building-owner trade associations, would seek to require distributed antenna systems (DAS) to accommodate public-safety radio frequencies and develop an accredited certification program for technicians responsible for deploying DAS networks that serve public safety, commercial cellular, and two-way radio.

The Public Safety Shared DAS Coalition proposes that:

• National and local jurisdictions convert from an "unfunded mandate" to a "when-funded mandate." When a WSP or building owner deploys a DAS to enhance WSP services, a permitting process should require the DAS installed to accommodate public safety radio at the frequencies utilized locally. National WSPs and the Public Safety community should publish national policies supporting compliance to the "when-funded" mandate.
• The wireless industry and the public safety community support the development of an accredited certification program for technicians responsible for deploying DAS that serves Public Safety, Commercial Cellular, and Two-Way Radio.

To learn more about the proposed Public Safety Shared DAS Coalition, register to receive the forthcoming white paper and future information.

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