UQOMM
DAS/DRS:
multi‑operator, multi‑band coverage for metro systems, tunnels, and buildings
The solution that delivers cellular signal, TETRA, and emergency services where outdoor coverage cannot reach. At UQOMM, we design, integrate, and coordinate every DAS/DRS system together with mobile operators and regulatory authorities to ensure reliable coverage in critical infrastructure.
UQOMM
What is a DAS and why is it the reference technology for critical facilities
A DAS (Distributed Antenna System) enables the distribution of multiple wireless bands and services inside tunnels, metro systems, underground mines, buildings, and other environments where conventional coverage is insufficient. The signal maintains the same quality and capacity of the source system throughout the entire infrastructure.
Our DRS system is specifically developed for tunnel and mining applications, using multiband leaky feeder cables to provide continuous and reliable coverage in environments where a conventional DAS requires specialized adaptations.
With more than 15 years of field deployment, DAS/DRS technology has demonstrated high reliability in critical infrastructure. At UQOMM, we design, integrate, and maintain these solutions, adapting them to the communications architecture of each project across different countries and sectors.
UQOMM
How a DAS/DRS System Works
A complete DRS system is composed of four main elements:
Technology
Frequency and Standards Compatibility
DAS operates in frequency bands between 70 MHz and 1000 MHz. The leaky feeder cable supports frequencies up to 1 GHz, making it compatible with the main professional communication standards:
| Standard | Frequency Band | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| TETRA | 150, 300, 400 and 800 MHz | Trunked radio for emergency services and mining |
| DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) | 136–174 MHz / 400–512 MHz | Professional digital radio |
| Analog VHF/UHF | 136–512 MHz | Legacy portable radios |
| P25 (APCO-25) | 150, 300, 400, 700, 800 and 900 MHz | North American emergency services standard |
| LTE (data) | 700–900 MHz | Broadband for data/automation |
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Where are DAS / DRS Systems used
Mining
Tunnels
Metro
Buildings
Offshore
UQOMM
Tecnologies
DRS
in Underground Mining
Underground mining is the environment for which DRS was conceived and where it reaches its full potential. Its ability to expand alongside the advancing production front, together with its compatibility with all mining radio systems, makes it the backbone of any responsible underground operation.
- Voice coverage from the surface to the deepest active face
- Integration with personnel‑tracking and evacuation systems
- Its spectral purity allows the transport of any communications, telemetry, or telecontrol system, with synchronization better than 5 μs
- Dynamic scalability: it extends as the mine advances
DRS
in Vehicular Tunnels
In vehicular tunnels, DRS is the reference solution for emergency radio services: firefighters, police, and civil protection require guaranteed coverage throughout the entire length of the tunnel. It also supports emergency‑alert systems broadcast through FM signals, which are mandatory in several countries.
- Compliance with road‑safety regulations for tunnels longer than 500 m
- Emergency radio coverage with no dead zones along the entire tunnel
- Robust design for environments with exhaust gases and high humidity
DRS
in Underground Metro Systems
Metro networks use DRS to ensure continuous coverage inside railway tunnels, where moving trains require seamless signal handover between cable segments. It integrates with any communications system in stations and tunnels to provide complete multiband coverage.
- Compatibility with GSM‑R and TETRA railway standards
- Continuous coverage during high‑speed train movement
- Integration with CBTC (Communications‑Based Train Control) systems
UQOMM
Why Choose UQOMM for Your DAS/DRS Project
30+ years of active installations
We understand every terrain type, regulation, and radio standard. No project presents technical surprises for our team.
Specialized Integrator
We design the complete DAS/DRS system architecture, integrating mobile operators, emergency services, and existing networks. Every project is based on an engineering design developed for the specific conditions of the infrastructure.
Teams in key markets
Local presence in Chile, Peru, Mexico, and other regions enables preventive maintenance and rapid incident response.
Multitechnology integration
We integrate DAS/DRS with Leaky Feeder, Private LTE, WiFi, SCADA, and other technologies to build a coordinated communications infrastructure from the start of the project.
Guaranteed compliance with local regulations
- Every installation meets the regulatory requirements of each country: SERNAGEOMIN, MHSA, and WHS. The client does not need to manage compliance.
UQOMM
FAQ
1. What is a DRS or DAS system and how does it work in mining?
The spectral purity of DRS allows it to transport any communications, telemetry, and telecontrol system with high synchronization. It uses leaky feeder cable — a coaxial cable with small apertures in its shielding that distribute radio signal continuously along its entire length.
2. How many kilometers can a DRS system reach?
A DRS system can extend across dozens of kilometers through strategically installed remote units. We have deployed solutions exceeding 45 kilometers in a single mining operation. The final length depends on system architecture, frequency bands, and the minimum required signal level. As the infrastructure expands, we extend coverage by adding new cable sections and remote units.
3. Passive, active, or hybrid DAS: which is best?
The best option depends on infrastructure size, number of operators, required bands, and future system flexibility. Passive DAS is often suitable for small installations, while active DAS over fiber optic delivers better performance in tunnels, metro systems, and large buildings. In complex projects, hybrid architectures usually provide the best balance of capacity, scalability, and total cost of ownership. At UQOMM, we recommend the solution based on engineering criteria, not technological preference.
4. Can a DAS carry multiple operators at the same time?
Yes. A multi‑operator DAS allows 2, 3, or 4 mobile operators to coexist on the same physical infrastructure, sharing the headend, distribution network, and radiating elements. This reduces cost, avoids duplicated civil works (especially critical in tunnels), and ensures equivalent coverage conditions for all operators.
5. Does DAS meet emergency radio requirements in tunnels?
Yes, provided the system is designed for that purpose. Applicable regulations require continuous coverage for emergency services (such as firefighters, police, civil protection, and TETRA where applicable) throughout the entire infrastructure. We design the system with these requirements from the start, coordinate acceptance testing with the relevant authorities, and deliver a validated solution ready for operation.
6. How does DAS relate to Leaky Feeder and Private LTE?
They are complementary technologies that serve different roles within a unified communications architecture. Leaky Feeder provides professional radio coverage in underground mining. DAS distributes multiple mobile operators and emergency services in tunnels, metro systems, and buildings, while Private LTE delivers broadband connectivity for industrial applications. We design all three technologies in an integrated manner when the project requires a convergent solution.
7. How long does it take to implement a DAS in a metro or tunnel?
The timeline depends on infrastructure length, project complexity, and coordination with mobile operators and regulatory bodies. In large metro or tunnel projects, implementation typically ranges from 6 to 14 months, including engineering, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning. We can execute turnkey projects or participate only in engineering and technical management stages, depending on the client’s needs.
Caso de éxito
Mina subterránea, Perú
Sistema DRS de 45 km de galería conectada con cobertura continua de voz y datos TETRA. Integración con sistema de localización de personal y alarmas de evacuación. Tiempo de respuesta ante emergencias reducido en un 65%. Cumplimiento normativo OSINERGMIN (Organismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Minería) desde el primer día de operación. Sistema en funcionamiento continuo desde 2019. DRS TETRA monitoreo remoto + Alarmas de evacuación e integración con DAS de superficie.
Ver caso completo
Tecnologías desplegadas
DRS TETRA monitoreo remoto
Alarmas de evacuación e integración con DAS de superficie.
UQOMM
Complementary Technologies
DRS integrates natively with the rest of UQOMM’s technology portfolio.
Technology
LEAKY FEEDER
How it combines with DAS/DRS:
When a project combines operational radio (TETRA/DMR) with public cellular coverage, the Leaky Feeder carries the professional radio layer, and the DAS carries the multi‑operator layer. In mining or mixed tunnels, both systems coexist.
Technology
Private LTE
How it combines with DAS/DRS:
In metro systems and tunnels where an industrial private network is also deployed, DAS distributes public‑operator coverage while Private LTE carries the customer’s mission‑critical operations. Two infrastructures, one shared physical space.
Technology
Digital Mining / Digital Metro
How it combines with DAS/DRS:
DAS is the enabling layer that ensures continuous connectivity for passengers, staff, and digital systems. Without DAS, ticketing, information, and video‑surveillance systems cannot rely on a stable cellular network.