Mobi PCS recently launched Hawaii’s first consumer distributed-antenna system (DAS), strengthening its coverage in the Hilo area of the Big Island, specifically.

DAS allows cellular network coverage where geography or lengthy zoning and construction processes exist. The system is also used in stadiums and other facilities that can be difficult to cover or where demand can suddenly surge.

In Hilo, where Mobi deployed DAS earlier this month, the Big Island’s geography creates natural barriers for wireless phone coverage for any company in the industry.

“DAS will allow Mobi PCS to offer the best coverage of any of Hawaii’s wireless carriers in Hilo,” explains Ed Kurzenski, vice president & chief technical officer. “We decided to invest in this technology because we know that it will help us provide the best service that we can to our customers in Hilo today and beyond in the near future.”

Mobi PCS will deploy the DAS technology in other areas around the state in coming months. These areas will be selected to increase in-building coverage and network capacity in key areas, as well as address issues with challenging geographic terrain.

While more expensive than traditional cellular network technology, DAS offers significant benefits in terms of visual impacts.

Unlike traditional tower-and-roof top cell sites, DAS only requires a remote radio head that measures one-foot by two-feet and a one-foot antenna. Both pieces of equipment are mounted on existing telephone or light poles.

DAS technology allows signals to travel from one base station through multiple small antennas in a particular area. Existing standard fiber optic cables distribute the signals.