Distributed Antenna Systems: Establishing a Regulatory Framework

Motivated by the growing commercial viability and widespread use of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), this book analyzes regulatory classifications for wireless DAS deployments. It emphasizes that the existing regulatory framework fails to satisfactorily account for the diversity in practical implementations of DAS networks. This work explores three instances of problematic application of conventional regulations upon unique DAS designs. First, the FCC should revisit its decision to impose a back up power rule on DAS antenna nodes at the federal level, since DAS antennas differ from traditional cell sites with respect to limited on-site processing and a smaller form factor. Second, this work questions the wisdom of state regulations that uniformly impose common carrier obligations upon DAS providers. Third, this work also posits that the current state of DAS-level municipal regulations is fractured and suggests a unified regulatory approach extended to all municipalities. This book will be useful to both graduate students and practicing industry professionals.