Top 10 Small Cell and DAS Design & Drafting Companies to Watch in 2026

Introduction: Building the Backbone of 5G Connectivity

Wireless connectivity has become the foundation of how we live, work, and communicate. From video streaming and smart cities to connected healthcare and autonomous systems, the demand for reliable, high-speed networks is growing at an unprecedented pace. As the U.S. accelerates toward full-scale 5G adoption, small cell and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) infrastructure has moved from being a support solution to a core network requirement.

Unlike traditional macro towers, small cells and DAS are deployed closer to users—on utility poles, rooftops, campuses, stadiums, airports, and dense urban corridors. These deployments are complex. They require precise engineering design, structural analysis, and detailed CAD drafting to ensure safety, compliance, and long-term performance.

In 2026, success in wireless deployment will depend heavily on companies that can combine technical expertise with practical, constructible designs. This article highlights the Top 10 Small Cell and DAS Design & Drafting Companies to Watch in 2026, based on their engineering capabilities, industry presence, and contribution to next-generation wireless infrastructure.

You may also like: “Navigating the Future: Unveiling 5G Fibre and Wireless Design Services with ASE Structure Design Private Limited”

Key Trends Shaping Small Cell and DAS Design in 2026

1. Rapid 5G Network Densification

To meet performance expectations, carriers are deploying thousands of small cells across cities and suburbs. This has increased the need for structurally efficient designs that integrate seamlessly into existing streetscapes while meeting municipal and utility standards.

2. Growing Demand for Indoor Wireless Coverage

Enterprises and venue owners now expect flawless indoor connectivity. DAS design has become essential in hospitals, airports, corporate offices, campuses, and large public venues—where signal reliability directly impacts user experience.

3. Hybrid Small Cell and DAS Networks

Many deployments now combine outdoor small cells with indoor DAS systems. This hybrid approach demands strong coordination between RF planning, structural engineering, and CAD drafting teams.

4. Rise of Private LTE and Private 5G

Manufacturing plants, warehouses, ports, and campuses are adopting private wireless networks. These projects require customized DAS, and small cell designs with a strong focus on safety, uptime, and scalability.

5. Faster Permitting and Better Documentation

Cities are tightening design and aesthetic guidelines. Clear, accurate drawings and structural calculations are no longer optional—they are critical to faster approvals and smoother construction.

Top 10 Small Cell and DAS Design & Drafting Companies in 2026

1. Colliers Engineering & Design

Expertise: Small cell and DAS civil, structural, and utility design
Colliers Engineering & Design plays a major role in U.S. wireless densification projects. Their multidisciplinary teams support carriers and infrastructure providers with end-to-end engineering services that streamline permitting and construction in dense urban environments.

2. KMB Design Group

Expertise: Telecom engineering, CAD drafting, site development
KMB Design Group is known for delivering large volumes of small cell and DAS designs nationwide. Their strength lies in combining engineering precision with practical, field-ready drawings that help accelerate deployments.

3. CMS Wireless

Expertise: DAS and small cell engineering, RF services
CMS Wireless supports both in-building DAS and outdoor small cell deployments. Their experience across enterprise and public venues makes them a trusted partner for complex wireless infrastructure projects.

4. ASE Structure Design

Expertise: Small cell and DAS structural design & CAD drafting

ASE Structure Design brings a focused and hands-on approach to small cell and DAS structural engineering. Specializing in telecom infrastructure, ASE delivers construction-ready CAD drawings, mounting details, foundation designs, and structural analysis tailored specifically for wireless deployments.

What sets ASE Structure Design apart is its attention to detail and deep understanding of real-world construction challenges. By aligning structural integrity with practical installation requirements, ASE helps carriers, OEMs, and EPC partners reduce rework, speed up approvals, and ensure safe, compliant deployments.

As network densification increases and small cell installations become more complex, ASE Structure Design is emerging as a reliable engineering partner for scalable, future-ready wireless infrastructure in 2026 and beyond.

5. Betacoms

Expertise: Turnkey DAS and small cell solutions
Betacom is widely recognized for designing and delivering DAS networks in stadiums, hospitals, and large commercial facilities. Their focus on performance and public safety communication sets them apart in the market.

6. Tectonic Engineering

Expertise: Telecom engineering, zoning, and infrastructure design
With decades of telecom experience, Tectonic Engineering supports DAS and small cell projects through design, permitting, and construction services, ensuring regulatory compliance and engineering integrity.

7. Illumine-i

Expertise: Telecom infrastructure design and CAD drafting
Illumine-i specializes in high-quality drafting and design documentation for wireless projects. Their detailed site plans and construction drawings help minimize errors and improve build efficiency.

8. Alvarado Telecom LLC

Expertise: Small cell and DAS engineering and deployment
Alvarado Telecom delivers design-build services for small cell and DAS networks, with strength in transit systems, urban corridors, and pole-mounted installations.

9. HYLAN

Expertise: In-building wireless and DAS solutions
HYLAN focuses on improving indoor connectivity across commercial and institutional environments. Their DAS designs support reliable wireless coverage where performance matters most.

10. Boingo Wireless

Expertise: Large-venue DAS and small cell networks
Boingo Wireless has extensive experience designing and operating DAS networks in airports, stadiums, and military installations. Their ability to handle high-density user environments makes them a key industry player.

Conclusion

As wireless networks continue to evolve, small cell and DAS infrastructure has become essential to delivering consistent coverage, higher capacity, and reliable performance in today’s connected environments. From dense urban corridors to large indoor venues, these solutions play a critical role in supporting growing data demand and next-generation applications.

Successful deployments depend on more than just advanced technology—they require thoughtful engineering, accurate drafting, and a deep understanding of real-world installation challenges. Companies that combine technical expertise with practical, constructible designs are better positioned to support faster rollouts, smoother approvals, and long-term network reliability.

As the industry moves forward, small cell and DAS design and drafting specialists will remain key contributors to scalable, future-ready wireless networks, helping shape the connectivity standards of tomorrow.