UQOMM
Communication Solutions for Confined Spaces
Technologies designed, integrated, and deployed by specialists with over 30 years of experience in the world’s most demanding environments: underground mining, vehicular and rail tunnels, urban metro systems, offshore platforms, and complex buildings.
+30
Years of experience
Global
Presence across 5 continents
Certified
Full stack integrator
9
Technologies
UQOMM
Context
Communication in confined environments presents significant technical challenges. In a mining drift 800 meters underground, in a 12‑kilometer vehicular tunnel, on the platforms of an urban metro system, in the processing plant of a copper operation, or on an offshore platform in the middle of the ocean, conventional radio signals degrade, attenuate, or simply fail to propagate. Walls are made of solid rock, reinforced concrete, or structural steel. These environments combine humidity, dust, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and potentially explosive atmospheres. And failures are not acceptable: communication is essential for the safety of hundreds of people, the operational continuity of millions of dollars per day, and compliance with strict regulatory standards.
In these environments, confined‑space communications are not an add‑on: they are a safety requirement, an operational necessity and, in most markets, a non‑negotiable regulatory obligation. Regulations such as Chile’s DS 132 from SERNAGEOMIN, Peru’s Occupational Health and Safety in Mining Regulation, MSHA standards in the United States, and the EU’s Directive 2004/54/EC for road tunnels impose specific standards for coverage, redundancy, interoperability, and availability—standards that few organizations are truly equipped to design correctly.
For over three decades, UQOMM has addressed this challenge in highly demanding operational environments worldwide. We are not equipment distributors but specialized integrators who master every technology available in the market and combine them according to each client’s specific problem. We design, install, and maintain communication systems in underground mines, vehicular and rail tunnels, urban metro systems, offshore platforms and complex buildings across more than 30 countries on 5 continents.
Our distinctive approach is custom engineering. There is no single solution for all environments: space topology, operating depth, local regulations, required bandwidth, legacy systems that must coexist and available budgets vary significantly from project to project. We design each system from the ground up, based on nine mastered and combinable technologies: Leaky Feeder, Private LTE, DAS/DRS, Spread Spectrum, Underground Wi‑Fi & UWB, Private 5G, Mining IoT, Digital Mining, and People & Asset Localization.
UQOMM
Technologies
Leaky Feeder
Radiating Cable
The Leaky Feeder system uses a coaxial cable with controlled slots that distribute radio‑frequency signals evenly along its entire length. For more than three decades, we have designed, implemented, and continuously evolved this technology to build reliable communication systems in underground mining and tunnel environments, integrating it into each operation’s architecture.
- Dead‑zone‑free coverage in drifts, ramps, and tunnels
- Compatible with TETRA, DMR, P25, and analog radio
- Remote monitoring with automatic alarms for segment failures
Private LTE
Dedicated Mobile Network
A signal‑distribution system that delivers coverage from multiple operators and frequency bands into the most inaccessible areas of complex environments. It is specifically designed for scenarios where multiple radio systems and bands coexist within the same space—road tunnels, metro systems, corporate buildings, and large underground facilities.
- Simultaneous multiband coverage within a single integrated system
- Passive, active, and hybrid DAS topologies depending on environmental requirements
- Compatibility with all telecommunications operators
- Regulatory compliance for road tunnels and public transportation
DAS/DRS
Distributed Antenna System
A multiband system that enables joint communication across multiple platforms—two‑way radio in any frequency, cellular systems, Private LTE networks, etc—designed for industrial environments and confined spaces. It provides dedicated, high‑performance bandwidth for automation, autonomous vehicles, HD‑quality video surveillance, and critical production applications, without competing with public networks.
- Guaranteed bandwidth that never competes with public carriers
- Sub‑4‑microsecond synchronization to operate any system
- Native integration with IoT platforms and industrial automation
- Support for autonomous extraction vehicles and remote operation
Spread Spectrum
Wideband RF
Wireless communication that distributes the signal across a broad frequency range, making it virtually immune to electromagnetic interference. Uses FHSS (frequency hopping) and DSSS (direct sequence) methods. Ideal for long‑distance point‑to‑point links in utilities, substations, solar/wind plants, and rural deployments where fiber is not available.
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference from heavy machinery
- Point‑to‑point links spanning tens of kilometers
- Wide variety of available bands, from low VHF to ISM 6 GHz
- High robustness in extreme and distributed industrial environments
Digital Mining
Digital Mining and Operational Twin
We integrate the technologies that enable digital mining, connecting OT/IT, operational digital twins, advanced analytics, and applied artificial intelligence within a unified architecture. From an Integrated Operations Center (IROC), we transform operational data into actionable information for safer, more efficient, and timely decision‑making.
- Layered operational digital twin (assets, processes, energy, flows)
- OT/IT integration using open standards (OPC UA, MQTT Sparkplug B)
- Predictive and prescriptive analytics, plus generative AI with RAG
- Multidisciplinary Integrated Operations Center (IROC) Learn More
People and Asset Tracking
We offer a variety of systems tailored to different requirements—from high‑precision TAG systems integrated into Leaky Feeder networks (no additional cabling required and compatible with the most common underground networks) to continuous tracking solutions that use alternative communication technologies for higher accuracy.
• Supports multiple communication networks
• Real‑time monitoring and visualization, with information delivered to responsible personnel wherever they are
• Historical data collection and presentation
• Risk prevention and access control
• Regulatory compliance
• Production optimization
Underground Wi-Fi & UWB
High capacity connectivity for mines, tunnels, and industrial facilities
We design and integrate industrial Wi‑Fi and UWB networks to deliver high‑capacity connectivity wherever user density and bandwidth demand require it. Each deployment is part of a unified communications architecture that integrates Private LTE, Leaky Feeder, and other technologies, adapting to the specific needs of each operation.
Private 5G
Ultra low latency industrial network for automation, autonomy, and digitalization
We design and integrate Private 5G networks to enable operations requiring ultra‑low latency, high device density and critical communications. Each deployment is incorporated into an architecture that coexists with Private LTE and existing systems, supporting the technological evolution of the operation.
Mining IoT
Wireless sensors, gateways, and real time data platform
We design IIoT architectures that integrate sensors, industrial gateways, and data platforms to transform operational information into actionable insights for decision‑making. We connect infrastructure to systems such as SCADA and ERP through open standards and an architecture built to evolve.
UQOMM
Technologies by Sector
| Technology | Mining | Tunnels | Metros | Buildings | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaky Feeder | |||||
| Private LTE | |||||
| DAS / DRS | |||||
| Spread Spectrum | |||||
| Personnel and asset localization | |||||
| Digital Mining | |||||
| Underground Wi Fi | |||||
| Private 5G | |||||
| IoT for mining |
UQOMM
Technologies by Sector
We apply our technologies across multiple industrial sectors, adapting each solution to the operational conditions of each environment. Our ability to integrate multiple technologies into a single architecture is what enables us to address complex challenges with reliable and scalable solutions.
| Mining | Vehicular Tunnels | Urban Metro | Complex Buildings | Offshore Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
UQOMM
Differentiating Elements
UQOMM
How Technologies Combine
UQOMM
FAQ
1. What is a confined space communication system and why is it necessary?
In underground environments such as mines, tunnels, or metro systems, conventional radio signals cannot propagate due to the attenuation caused by rock and reinforced concrete. A confined‑space communication system uses specialized technologies—such as radiating cable (Leaky Feeder) or Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)—to deliver radio coverage to every point in the environment, ensuring voice, data, and emergency‑system communication without dead zones. Regulatory frameworks in many jurisdictions mandate their implementation.
2. What is Leaky Feeder (radiating cable) and how does it work in a mine?
Leaky Feeder, also known as low‑frequency radiating cable, is a coaxial cable with controlled openings in its outer shielding. This special distribution acts as small antennas that “leak” radio‑frequency signal uniformly along its entire length, in a proportion that ensures communication quality. It is installed throughout the mine’s galleries and enables continuous voice and data communication from the mine entrance to the deepest working faces. It is the reference technology in mining communications due to its proven reliability and scalability.
3. What is the difference between Private LTE and Wi Fi in underground environments?
Private LTE and industrial Wi‑Fi fulfill distinct functions and are typically deployed together as part of a layered communications architecture. Private LTE ensures seamless mobile coverage for automation, operational continuity, and critical communications. Industrial Wi‑Fi offers high‑capacity connectivity in areas with greater user density or bandwidth demand. Each solution is engineered according to the specific needs of the operation.
4. What communication technology is best suited for vehicular tunnels?
Vehicular tunnels require simultaneous coverage for multiple systems: emergency and safety radio, public‑operator cellular services, FM broadcasting, and maintenance communications. The most comprehensive solution combines a Distributed Radiating System (DRS) with radiating cable for safety‑critical services. Final system design is determined by tunnel length, operator participation, and regulatory obligations.
5. How much does it cost to implement an underground communication system?
Each project has different requirements, so there is no standard cost. We evaluate factors such as the length of the operation, the topology of the environment, the required technology, the number of users, and the operational objectives. With that information, we design the most suitable architecture and prepare a technical and economic proposal aligned with each project.
6. Does UQOMM provide design, installation, and maintenance services?
Yes. We accompany the entire project lifecycle—from technical studies and architectural design to commissioning, training, and operational support. Installation can be performed by our specialists or in coordination with the client and its contractors, always under our technical supervision to guarantee proper system performance.
7. What safety regulations do UQOMM solutions comply with?
We design each system in accordance with the safety regulations and technical requirements applicable in the country and sector where it will be implemented. In Chile, we consider SERNAGEOMIN’s Supreme Decree 132; in Peru, the Mining Safety Regulation; in Australia, WHS Mining regulations; and in South Africa, the MHSA Act. Our international experience allows us to adapt each solution to the regulatory requirements of the operation, safeguarding its safety, performance, and continuity.