Knowledge Base
Do I need a license to operate a fiber DAS or passive DAS solution?
It depends on if you select equipment that is labeled industrial or consumer, per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations for cell signal boosters that took effect .
DAS systems that the FCC classifies as industrial devices
require approval from all carriers on whose networks the equipment is broadcasting. The FCC grants licenses to the carriers for specific channels within the radio frequency spectrum, and anyone else broadcasting on that channel must receive permission from the licensee to use that channel. Most fiber DAS and active DAS systems fall under this classification.
Industrial signal boosters carry this label:
FCC label for industrial cell signal boosters
Cell signal boosters the FCC classifies as consumer devices have received blanket approval from the carriers to operate on their licensed channels. They do not require pre-approval from the carriers to operate; you are required, however, to register each booster with your carrier.
Despite being labeled as “consumer” devices, pre-approved cell signal boosters may be operated in commercial, public, and other large buildings.
Consumer signal boosters carry this label:
FCC label for consumer cell signal boosters
