NHS Case Study / Emergency Services & Institutional Facilities
Challenge
The National Health Service facility faced ongoing issues with weak indoor mobile signal coverage across both administrative and operational areas. Staff regularly experienced:
•Dropped or failed calls
•Slow data transfer
•Unreliable 4G and 5G connectivity
•Inconsistent communication between emergency teams, administrative staff, and SIM-enabled devices
Indoor mobile signal readings ranged between -90 dBm and –120 dBm, far below the level needed for dependable voice and data performance. These limitations introduced serious communication risks, particularly in environments where real-time coordination, emergency dispatch, and clinical operations depend on reliable mobile connectivity.
Previous attempts — including standalone boosters, network-specific devices, or reliance on outdoor signal strength — failed to provide a comprehensive, compliant, or stable solution. Recognising the operational and safety implications, the NHS facility engaged WaveBoosters UK to design and install a long-term, fully Ofcom compliant mobile coverage system.
Solution
WaveBoosters UK conducted a detailed on-site survey, confirming severe indoor signal deficiencies and identifying the optimal wideband boosting solution. The system was engineered to deliver strong, reliable coverage for all major UK mobile networks — EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three — across 2G, 3G, LTE 4G, and 5G bands.
Key technical components included:
High-Capacity Wideband Amplifiers
Two high-power amplifiers were installed in strategic, service-accessible locations. Each unit supports nine or more indoor antennas, enabling full building coverage.
Passive DAS (Distributed Antenna System)
A professionally designed DAS supplied boosted signal to 18+ indoor antennas, ensuring uniform, high-quality coverage across all essential areas.
Indoor Panel & Omni Antennas
Low-visibility antenna units were installed throughout high-traffic and previously low-signal zones, including ceiling-mounted models for discreet integration.
Rooftop Donor Antennas
Directional donor antennas were securely mounted and aligned to capture the strongest available mobile signals from nearby UK network masts.
The full system was designed to meet strict Ofcom regulations, while ensuring the infrastructure is future-proofed for evolving 5G deployments.
Installation
The installation, completed in 2025, followed rigorous engineering and safety procedures tailored for an operational NHS facility.
•Rooftop donor antennas were aligned for optimal line-of-sight.
•Secure risers and cable trays were used to route coaxial cabling with minimal disruption.
•Amplifiers were calibrated on-site to prevent oscillation and ensure maximum performance.
•Indoor antennas were positioned using RF propagation analysis for complete coverage while remaining visually unobtrusive.
The project was delivered smoothly, on schedule, and without any interruption to clinical or emergency operations.
Results
Post-installation testing showed a significant transformation in indoor mobile connectivity.
Signal levels improved from –90 dBm to –120 dBm (poor) to consistently strong –61 dBm to –85 dBm across all key areas of the facility.
Measured Improvements:
Vodafone
•Before: –115 dBm to –120 dBm
•After: –63 dBm to –85 dBm
O2 / Three (similar performance bands)
•Before: –94 dBm to –118 dBm
•After: –61 dBm to –81 dBm
EE
•Before: –116 dBm to –106 dBm
•After: –62 dBm to –79 dBm
Operational Benefits:
•Reliable voice calling across 2G and 3G
•Strong 4G and 5G performance with faster upload/download speeds
•95%+ indoor coverage reliability across both buildings
•Uninterrupted use of SIM-enabled medical and operational devices
•Better coordination between emergency and administrative staff
The enhanced coverage now supports critical NHS workflows, emergency response coordination, and day-to-day communications without disruption.
Client Satisfaction and Reliability
The NHS facility now operates with a reliable, stable, and fully compliant mobile signal infrastructure. Staff enjoy:
•Consistent call quality
•High-speed mobile data
•Reliable communication during emergencies
•Improved operational efficiency
All installed equipment includes full warranty coverage, with optional maintenance checks and rapid-response support to ensure ongoing reliability.
This case study demonstrates WaveBoosters UK’s capability to deliver high-standard, Ofcom compliant mobile signal solutions tailored for hospitals, emergency services, and institutional buildings across the United Kingdom.
Contact
For bespoke NHS, emergency services, or institutional mobile signal improvement solutions:
WaveBoosters UK.
WhatsApp: 07874 191006
Email: [email protected]
