The Good Stuff


01/28/2025
Tags:5G DAS

What is ERRCS and Why Does My Property Need It?

By Team Boingo
  • Article
  • 6 min. read

Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS) were developed to address a critical challenge: unreliable in-building communication for first responders during emergencies. Before these systems, firefighters, police officers and paramedics often encountered “dead zones” where radio signals failed to penetrate, delaying crucial coordination and response efforts. As urban landscapes grew more complex—with high-rises and intricate building layouts—traditional communication methods proved inadequate. ERRCS ensures seamless in-building wireless coverage, enabling first responders to communicate clearly and act swiftly.

But what exactly is ERRCS?  

In this guide, we cover how the technology works, why it is important, where it is required and what to consider prior to installation.  

How does ERRCS work? 


ERRCS are similar to distributed antenna systems (DAS) and can be installed side by side as part of a comprehensive network solution.  

ERRCS differ from commercial DAS because they operate on dedicated public safety frequency bands like VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, and 800 MHz, separate from commercial networks.  

For first responders, ERRCS eliminates the guesswork of finding a signal in emergencies. For example, a firefighter deep in a parking structure can transmit distress signals or receive evacuation orders without interruptions. ERRCS facilitates this by capturing outside radio frequencies, amplifying them through specialized equipment and redistributing the enhanced signal indoors. This uninterrupted communication gives responders confidence that their calls for help and instructions will be heard, even in the most challenging environments. 

The importance of ERRCS 


Modern buildings present significant challenges for public safety communication systems, making ERRCS indispensable. These include: 

  1. Signal interference from construction materials: materials like metal, concrete and Low-E glass block radio signals, creating dead zones within buildings. ERRCS overcomes these barriers, providing consistent signal strength. 
  1. Increasing urban density: in dense urban environments, overlapping frequencies can cause interference. ERRCS operates on dedicated bands to avoid this issue, guaranteeing reliable communication. 
  1. Complex building layouts: structures like hospitals, office high rises and multi-dwelling units often have intricate layouts. ERRCS systems use distributed antennas to administer coverage in all corners, including basements and stairwells. 

ERRCS directly addresses these challenges by providing consistent signal strength, dedicated communication frequencies and network infrastructure that ensure coverage throughout a building. 

Key benefits of ERRCS: 

  • Regulatory compliance: meets building codes and safety standards. 
  • Enhanced safety: facilitates clear communication, reducing response times. 
  • Improved coordination: enables seamless collaboration among emergency teams. 

What type of buildings require ERRCS? 


Certain building types are more likely to require an ERRCS due to their size, layout and construction materials. These include: 

  • High-rise buildings: multi-story structures often have areas, like upper floors and stairwells, where signal reach is weak or nonexistent. 
  • Hotels and hospitality venues: large hotels with underground parking and multiple floors benefit from ERRCS to improve guest and staff safety. 
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities: complex layouts and shielded spaces, such as basements and operating rooms, can hinder emergency communication. 
  • Multifamily properties: multifamily buildings may have interference from other electronic devices, which can degrade signal strength and quality. 

The specific requirements for ERRCS are often dictated by local building codes and safety regulations, which vary by municipality and state and can change often. Factors like building size, occupancy type and construction materials may determine whether an ERRCS is needed. For example, many jurisdictions mandate ERRCS installation for buildings over 50,000 square feet or those with underground parking structures.  

What to consider before installing ERRCS 


Installing an ERRCS is a crucial step in building safety and compliance. However, several factors must be carefully evaluated before installation to guarantee the system’s effectiveness. 

  • Routine maintenance and system testing protocols: ERRCS must be tested and maintained regularly to comply with regulations and ensure reliable performance. A maintenance plan should include routine management to meet evolving safety standards. 
  • Compliance with local codes and standards: local building codes and public safety regulations dictate specific requirements for ERRCS installations. These can vary widely by jurisdiction, including minimum signal strength thresholds, frequency bands allowed and testing protocols.  
  • Building layout and architecture: the architectural design and materials used in a building significantly impact ERRCS performance. Materials like concrete, metal, and Low-E glass can obstruct radio frequency signals, creating dead zones. A detailed site survey should be conducted to identify coverage gaps and determine the optimal placement of antennas and other components. 
  • Radio frequency coverage: to facilitate seamless communication, the ERRCS must provide adequate RF coverage in all building parts, including stairwells, basements and parking structures. Signal strength testing is a critical pre-installation step to evaluate coverage requirements and plan for necessary amplifiers, repeaters, and distributed antennas. 
  • Power needs and emergency backup solutions: ERRCS requires a reliable power source and backup systems, such as batteries or generators, to maintain functionality during emergencies or outages. Assessing the building’s power infrastructure will make sure the ERRCS operates uninterrupted during critical moments. 

Discover ERRCS solutions from Boingo 


Boingo is a trusted leader in wireless connectivity, offering tailored ERRCS and public safety DAS to allow first responders to communicate reliably in any environment. With over 20 years of experience, Boingo provides mission-critical network solutions for government, military and commercial properties. 

Why choose Boingo? With expertise in DAS, 5G, Wi-Fi, and CBRS, Boingo delivers cutting-edge connectivity solutions tailored to your building’s needs. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring reliable and responsible network implementation. With a proven track record of building mission-critical networks, Boingo supports seamless communication and compliance, even during emergencies, connecting your property when it matters most.  

Contact Boingo to learn how we can design, install and manage ERRCS solutions that meet your building’s unique needs.