Abstract: A radio frequency communication system utilizing a radiating transmission line is disclosed. During normal operation, a mobile communication unit near the radiating transmission line can communicate with other mobile communication units near the transmission line as well as with the base station. The communication system is redundant in that if a portion of the communication system fails such that communication signals cannot be communicated through the fault the communication system will continue to operate and communication signals from any mobile communication units near the radiating transmission line will be transmitted and received from the base station. The communication system is particularly suited for use in underground mines in which event the base station can be located at the surface, and the mobile communication units are generally located in the mine shafts.