A leading medical device manufacturing operation in the Mid-Atlantic recognized that poor indoor cellular coverage was impacting workforce communication and operational efficiency. They turned to trusted DAS experts Atlantic Technology Group (ATG)* seeking a solution.
*Signal Boosters and Bolton Install Pros are part of ATG as of 2026.
For any facility, in-building coverage challenges always start from outside. This manufacturing building is located in a semi-rural area, approximately 1.5 to 3.5 miles from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile cell towers. Even though the cell towers are close, surrounding trees, hills, and a nearby river interfere with incoming cellular signal, reducing cellular signal strength.
Outside the building, cell reception is usable but below average. The building's concrete blocks, metal panels, and low-e glass significantly attenuated the signal trying to reach inside. With a footprint of nearly 120,000 sq ft, employees experience widespread dead zones.
The objective was to enhance cellular reliability for all carriers throughout the office and manufacturing areas. After evaluating the facility size, coverage needs, and cost, the team recommended the SOLiD BARS Distributed Antenna System (DAS). The client reviewed various DAS solution proposals and selected the SOLiD BARS system because of its performance expectations and cost.
“We see SOLiD as a great fit for larger spaces. The SOLiD BARS solution was ideal for improving cellular coverage for the client’s employees both in the office and manufacturing spaces.”
This was ATG's first deployment of the SOLiD BARS system. ATG handled the project with dedicated precision from design to delivery, working closely with SOLiD's Enterprise Solutions team to keep the project moving. There was a small hurdle during deployment. The facility's clean room protocols allowed ceiling access for less than 15 minutes at a time without triggering a reseal and recertification. Even with this constraint, the field team completed the installation smoothly and without delay.
After installation, ATG's field team validated performance using SOLiD BARS EMS Portal, confirming strong signal readings.
The client reported the same results, with employees experiencing reliable coverage across both the office and manufacturing areas for day-to-day operations. Based on this outcome and ATG's service quality, the client approved a second SOLiD BARS deployment at another facility in the South Central U.S.
Cellular signal strength is measured in dBm. The closer to 0 dBm, the stronger the signal. Here is what dBm values represent, based on our experts' real-world observations:
