What happens when the DAS is built?

There are a number of things to consider once the DAS has been built. Ideally, a lead carrier has already been organised, but if not, there is still plenty of time to organise one. The DAS integrator can help with organising a lead carrier. The lead carrier will require a MCF2018 or a lead carrier design to sign off on. Once the DAS is close to completion the DAS integrator should help the building owner or developer to notify the lead carrier. Notifying the lead carrier before the completion of the project is important as the lead carrier requires sufficient lead time to prepare their end of the connection, which includes organising the base stations and transmission work to be able to plug into the DAS.

As the building owner, what do I need to do and how do we hand over to the carrier?

Once the DAS system has been built, the lead carrier will require a handover pack. While some carriers require different things, generally they include the lead carrier compliant DAS design, updated as-built drawings, the design in the industry standard IBWave format, Walk Test report and CAD files. This is so if the lead carrier makes any changes or upgrades in the future, they have the drawings and files on hand and can design the upgrades themselves.

A Walk Test report can be difficult to obtain if the lead carrier has not plugged into the system yet. However, the DAS integrator can use a CW generator to generate an RF signal that can be measure for the Walk Test. This report can then be submitted with the handover pack to show the lead carrier that the DAS meets MCF coverage requirements. Once the handover pack has been submitted, a Connection Fee will be negotiated between the building owner or developer and the lead carrier. The DAS integrator can assist with negotiations.

When does the carrier plug in?

Occasionally the lead carrier will make comments or amendments they require. For example, there may be an area that they believe has insufficient coverage, and therefore needs modification. If the lead carrier is satisfied with the handover pack, they will install their base station and transmission equipment allowing the DAS system to now connect to their network and the DAS will start providing In-Building coverage.

The Connection Fee is a fee similar to what would be paid to have the electricity or water connected to a building. The cost varies a lot from project to project and is negotiated between the lead carrier and the building owner or developer, the DAS integrator may be able to assist with the negotiation process.

Who maintains the DAS?

Once the DAS system is running, the lead carrier takes care of any upgrades or maintenance to the system and the building owner or developer is no longer responsible or liable for any costs with the exception of damage to the system. If a building tenant or building owner caused damage to the DAS system, they would be liable to the cost of rectification. Any standard wear and tear, maintenance or upgrade costs is the responsibility of the lead carrier. The lead carrier will likely install an authority metre so they can monitor energy consumption as all cost in powering the system is now a responsibility of the lead carrier. Any Sharing carriers will also install their own metre and pay for their own electricity usage.

What are the ongoing costs?

It is important to understand that the building owner is required to hand over the DAS to the lead carrier upon completion, either at no cost or as a peppercorn agreement. While it may seem like a large investment to hand over free of charge, it is important to remember that the building now has full coverage and the maintenance, upgrades and cost for electricity to power the DAS is now free of charge, which is standard in the DAS industry and has been working well for building owners and carriers so far. Some carriers do require tenure and require the building owner or developer to sign up for either a license or a lease, so the equipment has security of tenure. This is generally understood as all DAS systems typically have a dedicated room where the equipment is housed.