In-Building Wireless Public Safety Enhancement

Challenge/Opportunity

Clear and available mobile communication is of paramount importance in emergency situations. A progressive program in Montgomery County, Maryland requires, by law, that all new public buildings in the county meet signal strength and coverage criteria for public safety (Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services) 800 MHz radio coverage. The ordinance requires a coverage evaluation prior to occupancy. Any coverage deficiencies must be corrected prior to the County issuing a certificate of occupancy.

Solution

Widelity, a registered RF professional with Montgomery County, engaged in the initial coverage assessment for a 400,000 square foot office building under construction. The assessment revealed the underground parking garage did not meet the county requirements. To ensure compliance with County standards, Widelity designed a distributed antenna and bi-directional amplifier system to enhance radio coverage in the deficient areas. 

Benefits

After installation of the system, Widelity performed a compliance assessment and reported back to the general contractor certifying the public safety coverage. A certificate of occupancy was successfully secured & subsequently issued by the County.  Widelity leveraged the following capabilities in the completion of the project:

• Program and Project Management
• Design and Engineering Services
• In-building Wireless Services