NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Wireless Infrastructure Association officially launched the Distributed Antenna Systems Forum at the PCIA trade show, explaining that the group’s mission is to promote the understanding, acceptance and deployment of distributed antenna systems.
Founding members of the new forum include Corning Cable, Crown Castle International Corp., Sprint Nextel Corp. and the Donohue & Blue plc law firm.
DAS usage is gaining ground as a way to propagate RF signals for in-building coverage as wireless operators roll out third-generation data services. Typically, cellular signals are sent throughout buildings from a base station inside the building. Each operator can place a base station in a building and access the DAS for coverage, eliminating the need for each carrier to install their own antennas throughout the building.
“We are pleased to initiate this exciting venture,” said Michael Fitch, president and chief executive or PCIA. “We genuinely appreciate the commitment of our founding members to PCIA and the industry. The DAS Forum represents a forward looking component of the wireless industry and I believe that it will serve to enhance the infrastructure industry by highlighting an important currently under-represented segment of the marketplace.”
