Abstract: A radio frequency communication system utilizing a radiating transmission line is disclosed. During normal operation, mobile communication units near the radiating transmission line can communicate with other mobile communication units near the transmission line as well as with a base station. The communication system comprises amplification units coupled to the radiating transmission line at periodic locations for amplifying communication signals traveling upstream and downstream on the transmission line. During normal operation, the communication signals are transmitted at a first and second frequency such that at least the second frequency can be radiated from the transmission line to be received by mobile communication units located near the transmission line. The amplification units also comprise degradation detection units which detect when the communication system has been degraded between any two amplification units.