Cellular enhancement systems and radio enhancement systems are similar but different. The key difference is that cellular enhancement systems are focused on improving cellular signal strength inside of a building, while radio enhancement systems improve radio signal strength for two-way radios. The latter is important for public safety because it ensures First Responders can use their two-way radios to communicate inside and out of the building during an emergency.

Radio Enhancement – DAS

Radio enhancement systems may seem less important than cellular enhancement systems, simply because more people use cell phones than two-way radios. Although, newer regulations and construction codes enforce the need for in-building radio enhancement systems to ensure First Responders have an open line of communication in an emergency.

A radio enhancement system contains three critical components:

A donor antenna system

Bi-Directional amplifier

Distributed antenna system

The donor antenna is usually placed on the very top of the building and communicates with the closest communications tower. This antenna is in charge of bringing a signal inside and outside of the building. The donor antenna is the most important part of the entire system, which is why we rely on Category 5 Hurricane-rated bracketing and R-56 Lightning Protection standards.

The bi-directional amplifier is in charge of receiving signals from the donor antenna and then amplifying the signal throughout the building. In addition, it takes in messages from the handheld devices used inside of the building and transmits them to the donor antenna.

The bi-directional amplifier works best when used in conjunction with a distributed antenna system – which is a network of in-building antennas.

The design of the system is important so that it works to provide consistent and well-balanced signals throughout the building.

Learn more about in-building radio enhancement systems

Cellular Enhancement Systems

Cellular enhancement systems are similar but involve more back-and-forth with cellular network providers. The system operates on essentially the same infrastructure that amplifies cell signals throughout a venue or building. Since it is similar, it is often added at the same time as a radio enhancement system.

It is very common for mobile phones to not get a signal underground or in large sky rise buildings. In-building cellular enhancement systems connect to the appropriate carrier and then directs the signal source through a bi-directional amplifier or a base transceiver station. The mobile carrier’s licensed radio frequency is transmitted and received via the signal. From there, the use of coaxial cable or optical fiber is used to transport the signal throughout the building.

Coverage antennas are carefully placed to provide the best coverage possible. The same design that works for one building may not work for another, that’s why customization is crucial to success.

Learn more about in-building cellular enhancement systems

Can You Have Both?

Yes! It is very common to install both a cellular enhancement system and a radio enhancement system at the same time. Both of these factors can be accommodated in the design and installation, allowing for greater communication across all platforms. Not all buildings require both. You can determine the needs of your building by conducting a signal strength pre-test – which we proudly offer for free.

Schedule Your Free Site Survey & Pre-testing of Signal Strength

We specialize in in-building enhancement systems, from the design to engineering, to installation. Contact us today to learn more and to find the right solution for your building.

Most jurisdictions in Florida now require reliable in-building radio frequency signals as part of their standard building code requirements. A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained through your local government, although this important piece of documentation will not be issued unless a property meets all inspection requirements. All fines attached to the property must also be paid before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.   

There are many different inspection requirements a building must meet, and many of these requirements vary based on location. In-building radio signal is one of these requirements showing up more frequently in local jurisdictions.

Over the last 5-10 years, new standards for in-building systems have been adopted by the National Fire Association (NFPA), as well as the International Fire Code (IFC). These standards are now being picked up and enforced by local Authority Having Jurisdictions (AHJ).

History proves the importance of receiving a solid signal inside a building. After all, a lot of this change happened as a result of 9/11 when First Responders inside of the towers were unable to communicate with First Responders outside of the building. With firefighters unable to communicate properly, a lot of things went wrong. As a result, there has been a growing demand for Emergency Responder and Public Safety DAS. 

At Highland Wireless, we specialize in DAS (distributed antenna systems), from design to engineering. By working with highly experienced iBwave certified engineers, we create effective and efficient systems that meet all Fire Department standards. We work with both Public Safety DAS and Small Cell Systems.

What Causes Poor In-building Signal Strength? 

It is not uncommon for large urban buildings to receive poor to no signal strength. That’s because the latest building standards call for thick layers of dense materials like concrete and metal, and this makes it difficult for signals to get through.

Plus, densely populated areas are overwhelmed with signals bouncing here and there, which can also interfere. If an emergency occurs, First Responders must be able to communicate from inside of the building – no matter what floor they are on. Without a reliable in-building radio signal, this is next to impossible.

So, how do you get over this hurdle and ensure even the biggest and most densely packed buildings get reliable radio signals on all floors? The answer is through the installation of an in-building radio enhancement system, such as DAS.

What is DAS?

DAS stands for distributed antenna system, which is a system put into place to improve communication and signal strength throughout an entire building. The system includes a network of antenna nodes that work together and are all connected to a main transport medium. This medium is typically placed at the highest point of the building, such as on the roof. Systems are carefully designed by a team of engineers to produce the best results possible.

Installing an effective DAS will take away the risk that First Responders cannot communicate in an emergency. Thus, it has the potential to save lives. Not to mention, it is quickly becoming a standard requirement to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.

Highland Wireless Makes It Easy to Comply with In-building Signal Strength Regulations

Each AHJ in Florida operates on unique frequencies, from VHF to UHF and everything in between. Therefore, it’s important to have local knowledge about the frequencies utilized in each jurisdiction as there are different solutions based on frequency range and local AHJ code compliance. Not only are we up to date on all of this, but in addition, we offer free pre-testing of signal strength as well as site surveys.

Learn more

Living in Florida, you are sure to experience a hurricane at some point in time. Is your business prepared to handle what happens in a hurricane? From power outages to floods, does your team have a way to communicate no matter what? Two-way radios offer the perfect solution to keep your team connected during an emergency. That way, instead of reacting to issues you can proactively approach problems as they arise.

It doesn’t take a hurricane to cause havoc and communication roadblocks. Less severe storms can lead to issues like power outages and cellular network failure. All the while the roads are flooding, and the risk of accident is increasing. Two-way radios provide a lifeline that keeps you connected when you need it most.

Benefits of Two-Way Radios in a Hurricane

• Keep your entire team connected and communicating, no matter what
• Don’t worry about downed cellular lines – you have another way to communicate
• Respond quickly to issues that arise
• Help keep everyone on your team safe
• Some two-way radios are equipped with GPS to locate everyone in your team

How to Prepare Your Two-Way Radios Before the Storm

Prior to the storm making landfall, it’s important that your two-way radios are ready to go. Some things you can do to ensure you are ready for the storm include:

• Test out two-way radios to make sure that they are working correctly and do not need any adjustments or repairs before the storm arrives.
• Make sure that batteries are fully charged, keep in mind that you might not be able to charge them if the power goes out. We recommend considering battery extenders to get the most time possible out of radios before they need to be recharged.
• Created a dedicated channel for emergency communication during the storm
• Detail a plan for communication during the storm, make sure that everyone on your team knows the plan and the role they play in the plan. 
• Prep your crew on how to use radios and make sure that everyone is on the same page and knows how the radios work, as well as how to troubleshoot basic radio issues.

What About Cheap Two-Way Radios You Can Buy at the Store?

Running to Walmart and buying a pack of walkie-talkies might seem like an easy enough solution, but they will not offer the same benefits as a commercial-grade radio. Not even close. For one, if a lot of people are trying to talk over general radio channels at once, and so you may not be able to get any messages through. Plus, there is little to no privacy and you don’t know who might be listening in. In addition, standard two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, cannot communicate across very large distances. Even the smallest things can interfere with communication and disrupt the signal.

If you’re on a budget, we recommend renting quality commercial two-way radios instead of buying something cheap at your local store.

Rent Two Way Radios

If you don’t usually use two-way radios it might seem like a hefty investment to buy an entire fleet of radios, chargers, and battery extenders in preparation for a storm. Instead, you can rent radios and all the accessories you need, for as long as you need.

At Highland Wireless, we offer affordable and reliable two-way radio rentals for weekend events as well as upcoming storms. Make sure to reserve well ahead of time so that you get your radios before everyone else beats you to it.

Before the next storm is set to arrive, contact us to get a quote to rent two-way radios.

While CB radios are slowly fading into the past, some truckers still rely on CB radios to communicate. There are several drawbacks to using CB radios to communicate while out on the road. For one, they don’t communicate across vast distances, and secondly, they don’t offer enough reliability or security. Thanks to technological improvements, there are better ways for truckers to communicate today than ever before.

What is a CB Radio?

A CB radio, or a Citizens Band Radio offers short-distance radio communication using 40 select channels within the 27 MHz (11 m) band. This isn’t the most secure form of radio, as it is shared by many users at one time. Just one station transmits at a given time, but other stations can listen in and wait to use the channel when it becomes available. When waiting to use a shared channel, the individual must voice in the word “Break + channel number” when the current conversation pauses. That way, others know someone is waiting to use the line.

CB operation does not require a license and can be used both professionally and for personal use. There are similar networks that have popped up, such as the General Radio Service in Canada, that do require licensing. When CB radio first hit the scene in 1945, it was mainly used for personal use, as well as family and business communication.

It’s easy to see how this system could create issues with efficiency, as well as privacy. Plus, you can only communicate from so many miles apart—generally no more than 25 miles. So, while some truck drivers still rely on it, it’s not always the best option. In some states and regions, it is better than others. In fact, you’ll find some truck drivers who use CB radio to communicate when they are in a certain part of the country. For the most part, CB radios remain in use because they are the norm for truckers who have been working in the industry for the last 10 or 20+ years.

While some truckers have resorted to using trucking apps on smartphones to communicate, more advanced radio systems offer a more ideal route. After all, local State and Federal laws ban commercial drivers from using their cell phones to communicate.

Florida Fleet Talk for Truck Drivers

Florida Fleet Talk by Highland Wireless offers a convenient way for truckers to stay in touch from Miami to Jacksonville – offering up to 300 miles of clear coverage. Never before has such a wide area been available for communication using two-way radios. Wide area radio coverage provides safe, legal, and static-free communication, available at the push of a button.

Benefits to making the switch from CB radios to Florida Fleet Talk:

• Coverage starts at just $25 per month, per radio (this is less than the cost of providing a cell phone to each driver in your fleet)
• We offer top quality Kenwood and Motorola radios for rent
• Radios with GPS and other advanced technology are available
• Clear, static-free and uninterrupted communication that spans up to 300 miles

Considering replacing your old CB radio system with the latest technology in truck driver communication? Learn more about Florida Fleet Talk.

Did you know that wide area radio coverage in Florida can keep your team connected from one end of the state to the other? Two-way radios provide a safe and secure network of communication that is highly relied upon by many industries.

For many years there have been restrictions as to how far apart you can use two-way radios. This presents issues for a lot of people. In particular, truck drivers and other commercial drivers who are banned by law from using cell phones on the job. Therefore, in order to communicate they must rely on some type of two-way radio. Yet, still, a signal from a standard two-way radio can only travel so far. Let’s say two truck drivers need to communicate from 150 miles apart. Without wide area radio coverage, they’ve got an issue.

After all, the problem with traditional two-way radios is that they can only communicate 4-6 miles apart, or 25 miles apart if you are using more advanced radio technology. That’s because a lot of things get in the way of radio signals and block them from traveling farther. For instance, if someone is trying to send a message to someone on the opposite side of a mountain, the signal can get trapped by the geographical formation. Luckily, Florida is a flat state and so there aren’t many mountains to block signal strength. Still, there are plenty of other things that can get in the way of a signal. That’s where wide area radio coverage comes into play.

What is Florida Fleet Talk?

Florida Fleet Talk is leading the way in Florida for wide area radio coverage. Our network connects Jacksonville to Miami, Florida. This is technology you can rely on. After all, we’ve been running on this system for a while with great success. FFT provide the clear, static-free communication your team needs to communicate across county lines, and then some.

Benefits of our wide area two-way radio coverage – Florida Fleet Talk:

• Coverage area extends up to 300 miles
• Uninterrupted sound quality – no static, just clear calls 
• Easy to operate radios that provide little to no distraction on the job
• Pick between Motorola and Kenwood radios – these are durable radios that can stand up to tough job sites, including water, heat, and even a hard fall.

Cell Phones vs. Wide Area Coverage Radios

Cell phones can communicate across the world, but that level of communication comes at a cost. First of all, cell phones and subsequent cell phone plans are not cheap. Plus, cell phones offer a variety of distractions that two-way radios do not. Therefore, by equipping your team with radios there’s less room for error or oversight due to surfing the Internet or downloading a new app. In addition, State and Federal laws ban commercial drivers from using a cell phone while working due to the associated distractions and risks.

Making Wide Area Radio Coverage Affordable in Florida

You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the luxury of communicating via two-way radios across long distances. With Highland Wireless’ Florida Fleet Talk, you’ll have access this all-digital network for as little as $25 per month, per radio. Pick between Kenwood and Motorola two-way radios that offer clear and reliable communication across secure radio waves.

Learn more about Florida Fleet Talk