BDA and DAS

Radio coverage for first responders.

Concrete, steel and coated glass can weaken the radios that firefighters and police use inside a building. A bi-directional amplifier (BDA) and distributed antenna system (DAS) bring that radio signal into stairwells, elevator lobbies and every floor. ITS installs BDA/DAS for high-rise and commercial buildings and coordinates the work with the general contractor and the fire department.

High-rise and commercialCoordinated with the fire departmentInsured

Start your project →Call 786.266.7676

ITS Instagram post: GCs, when to bring in low voltage so it never holds up drywall.

What it includes

Built for inspection day.

Every BDA/DAS project is planned around what the fire department will test.

Why it is required

Florida law lets the local fire authority set a minimum radio signal strength for buildings, and existing high-rise buildings had a compliance date of January 1, 2025.

Critical areas

In Miami-Dade, critical areas such as stair enclosures, elevator lobbies, fire command centers, and fire pump, generator and mechanical rooms need 99% coverage, compared with 90% for general floor areas.

Signal survey first

Signal is measured before design, so the system is sized for the building and the plans can be submitted for approval.

Coordinated with the GC

BDA/DAS cabling and equipment are scheduled with the rest of the low voltage so they do not hold up the job.

How we work

Five clear steps.

How a BDA/DAS project moves from survey to acceptance.

STEP 01

Signal survey

We measure the existing public safety radio signal throughout the building.

STEP 02

Design and plans

The system is designed for the building and the plans are prepared for submittal.

STEP 03

Permit and approval

Plans go to the fire department for approval before any radio equipment is installed.

STEP 04

Installation

Cabling, antennas and the BDA are installed and coordinated with the GC schedule.

STEP 05

Acceptance testing

The signal booster is registered with the FCC before it is turned on, and the system is then acceptance tested with the fire department.

Questions

Common questions.

If your question is not here, call 786.266.7676 and we will answer it directly.

What is a BDA/DAS system?

A bi-directional amplifier with a distributed antenna system. It carries public safety radio signal into a building and back out, so first responders can talk on their radios inside.

Is a BDA/DAS system required in Florida?

Section 633.202, Florida Statutes, lets the local fire authority set a minimum radio signal strength for buildings. Existing high-rise buildings that did not meet it had to apply for a permit by January 1, 2024 and comply by January 1, 2025. Whether a specific building needs a system is decided by the local fire authority.

What coverage does Miami-Dade require?

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue guidelines call for a minimum signal of -95 dBm with a delivered audio quality of 3.0, covering 90% of general floor areas and 99% of critical areas such as stairwells, elevator lobbies and fire command centers.

How does the approval process work in Miami-Dade?

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue performs a pre-test inspection before plans are submitted, and no radio equipment may be installed before the plans are approved. After installation, the signal booster is registered with the FCC and the system goes through acceptance testing.

When should the BDA/DAS be planned?

During design and early construction. A signal survey and coordination with the fire department and the GC help keep the system from delaying final inspections.

Next step

Let's review your building.

Send us the plans or the building address. ITS works with GCs, owners and project managers from the Palm Beaches to Key West.

Start your project →Call 786.266.7676