Planning better wireless coverage for a warehouse, basement or industrial facility in Dubai? The cost of a radiating cable installation depends on the coverage you need, the equipment selected and the work required on site. Cable length is only one part of the budget.
This guide explains what to include in your project brief, how to compare quotations and which questions to ask before installation. It is a planning guide, not a fixed price list: a reliable estimate requires a defined scope and a site assessment.
What is radiating cable?
Radiating cable, also known as leaky feeder cable, acts as a distributed antenna. Openings in its outer conductor allow radio signals to pass between the cable and the surrounding area. It can provide coverage along confined spaces such as tunnels and building corridors.
The cable and connected equipment must suit the required frequency bands. Do not assume that one cable supports every radio, mobile or Wi-Fi service. Manufacturer specifications vary; RFS describes the technology and its application to indoor RF coverage. For an introduction, read our guide to radiating cable for UAE warehouses.
Six factors to include in your installation budget
- Coverage area and cable routing. Provide floor plans, approximate route lengths and the areas where communication currently fails. Separate floors, corridors and loading areas may need different routing approaches.
- Cable specification and accessories. Ask the quotation to identify the cable model, supported frequencies, connectors, terminations, brackets and other required components. Comparing cable prices without these details can be misleading.
- Radio equipment and system integration. Clarify what existing equipment can be reused and what new equipment is included. Amplifiers or repeaters should be specified where the system design requires them; they are not automatically needed at fixed intervals in every installation.
- Access and installation work. Ceiling access, lifting equipment, available cable containment and working around live operations can affect the scope. Confirm responsibility for making good any disturbed surfaces.
- Testing and handover. Include an agreed coverage test, documentation and a handover briefing. The proposal should explain how successful installation will be demonstrated.
- Maintenance and support. Separate the initial installation price from any recurring support or annual maintenance contract. Check what visits, testing, parts and response arrangements are included.
Why two similar sites can receive different quotes
Consider a single warehouse aisle and a multi-level basement. Even if their planned cable lengths are similar, the basement may require more route changes, access coordination and separate coverage checks. A clear warehouse route may be easier to install, but the intended services and performance requirements still need assessment.
Use this comparison to define the scope rather than assume a standard cost per metre. A lower material price does not necessarily mean a lower total project cost.
What a clear quotation should include
- A written description of the areas and services covered.
- An itemised equipment list with quantities and model references.
- Installation labour, access equipment and containment work.
- Any exclusions, dependencies and responsibilities for site access.
- Testing criteria, handover documents and warranty terms.
- A proposed programme, payment terms and separately priced maintenance options.
Ask each supplier to quote against the same brief. Confirm whether VAT and any survey charges are included, and request clarification wherever a line item is described only as “as required”.
Prepare your site brief before requesting a quote
A useful brief helps the installer understand the problem before recommending a solution. Gather the following information:
- Your facility location, floor plans and approximate dimensions.
- The rooms, aisles or levels with poor coverage.
- The devices and communication services that must work in those areas.
- Details of existing network or radio equipment, if available.
- Permitted working hours, access restrictions and planned changes to the building.
- Your target completion date and operational priorities.
The assessment should also establish whether radiating cable is the right approach. Some sites may be better served by conventional access points, antennas or a combination of technologies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an accurate price using floor area alone?
Floor area is a starting point. Routing, building layout, intended services and installation access are also needed to define a meaningful estimate.
Will the installation replace my Wi-Fi network?
Not necessarily. Radiating cable is a signal distribution component. How it works with your network depends on the selected cable, equipment and coverage design.
Should maintenance be included?
Ask for maintenance as a separate option so you can compare the initial installation and ongoing support costs clearly.
Discuss your coverage requirements with TLS IT Solutions
TLS IT Solutions supports businesses with radiating cable solutions and structured cabling services in Dubai. Share your site information and coverage requirements so our team can discuss the appropriate next steps and prepare a proposal based on your needs.
Request a site assessment and quotation
Call +971 4 571 4700 or email info@tls-it.com.
