Global5G.org in the European Small Cells regulatory arena: scanning for best practices and policies’ harmonisation

Small Cells deployment is a fundamental brick for 5G development to enhance network capacity and coverage, ensure better spectrum efficiency, and improve sustainability, thanks to relatively lower energy consumption. 

In addition, because of their minimal visual intrusiveness, Small Cells can be conveniently installed in both indoor spaces, as well as, outdoor areas of urban environments, which in Europe are typically characterised by an abundance of historical monuments and iconic buildings. 

A diverse set of stakeholders is involved in the deployment of Small Cells, including network operators, equipment suppliers, radio frequency regulators, planning authorities, landlords, transport operators and property developers. This complex ecosystem and the fragmentation of European countries’ policies and regulations on Small Cells deployment risks hindering the timely deployment of densified Small Cells networks and reduces the envisioned 5G economic opportunities. To avoid Europe’s 5G developments lagging behind the rest of the world, the European regulatory framework around Small Cells deployment must be urgently improved and simplified to become leaner and more investment-friendly. 

Global5G.org will analyse the main regulatory issues impacting on the Small Cells deployment in Europe, helping EU Member states to make informed decisions and implement policies and regulations which facilitate the deployment and use of Small Cells. 

As part of its workplan, Global5G.org will scan the Small Cells regulatory landscape across Europe and globally highlighting barriers and identifying regulatory models and approaches suitable for application in different countries to ease a smooth deployment of Small Cells, financially favourable for all stakeholders, accelerating the 5G economy’s uptake for the whole ecosystem. 

A first preparatory report on small cells regulatory issues has been produced and presented at the First Workshop Meeting of Communications Committee (CoCom) Working Group NBP/5G on 21 September 2017 in Brussels.

The summary report has been put together to introduce the main regulatory issues impacting on the deployment of Small Cells, and it aims to contribute to the development of the newly formed WG on national strategies for 5G, to support member states discussions on understanding the state of play in Member States and what may be applied as actionable points to take forward. 

The summary reveals high-level information on Small Cells, trends, and challenges for Network Densification, a preliminary identification of the main stakeholders to involve in building consensus, a set of preliminary recommendations to overcome current barriers across the EU and concludes with actionable requests for contributions.

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