This year’s Small Cells World Summit (SCWS) brought together a wide range of industry stakeholders to explore how small cell technology continues to evolve and where it’s heading next.
During two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, the event covered everything from enterprise deployments and neutral host models to city connectivity strategies and Open RAN progress. The conversations reflected both the complexity of today’s market and the continued importance of collaboration in shaping the future of mobile connectivity.
Mobile operator deployment: slower than expected
Several sessions touched on the current pace of mobile operator-led small cell deployment. It was noted that economic conditions, along with residual effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, are continuing to influence network investment strategies. As a result, many operators are taking a more cautious approach, particularly around densification.
Real Wireless CEO Simon Fletcher, who was there in his capacity as Chief Strategy Officer of SCF, provided insights during a day 1 panel session that while the technology stack is increasingly mature, progress is still often hindered by uncertainties around funding models, access to shared infrastructure, and long-term business case clarity – especially outside major metropolitan areas.
This led to broader conversations about where new deployment momentum might come from and how the ecosystem is adjusting in response.
Enterprise and private networks gaining ground
One of the clearest trends emerging from the event was the growing role of enterprise and private network users. Whether in industrial settings, transport hubs or commercial premises, demand for dedicated coverage and tailored connectivity solutions is driving more interest in small cells.
Speakers noted that these deployments often deliver clearer use cases and more direct control over the business model; factors that can help move projects forward quicker than traditional operator-led rollouts.
Simon highlighted the growing appeal of outcome-led deployment in enterprise settings with connectivity becoming part of broader digital transformation, rather than a standalone telecoms decision.
Opportunities in urban infill and outdoor coverage
The role of small cells in addressing outdoor coverage gaps and enhancing urban capacity was also explored. While these remain strong potential use cases, discussions highlighted the need to balance technical feasibility, planning considerations and investment priorities, particularly in dense or infrastructure-constrained areas.
It’s an area where deployment models and collaborative frameworks – like the UK JOTS initiative – can make a significant difference.
Evolving views on neutral host models
Neutral host solutions featured prominently throughout the event, both for indoor and outdoor scenarios.
Simon chaired the Day 2 session on “Sustainability in small cell and hybrid networks – what are we working towards?” facilitating discussion around how shared infrastructure is evolving across both urban and rural scenarios. His moderation helped explore practical takeaways from both UK and international examples, including where private investment and public authority engagement have enabled progress.
Examples of funding models such as ‘pay as you occupy’ and ‘landlord-funded’ amongst several others were highlighted by various neutral hosts. There was particular interest in large venues like stadiums, where connectivity expectations are high and funding models are maturing.
The work of the Mobile UK JOTS Forum was referenced as a valuable contribution to the development of shared infrastructure standards, and a number of deployments, including those using DAS, were discussed as practical examples.
Costa Tsourkas, Managing Consultant at Real Wireless, hosted an over-subscribed JOTS workshop, which brought together MNOs, neutral hosts, and local authorities to discuss ongoing progress and future direction for shared infrastructure models, as well as examples like CBRS from the US.
Local authority engagement: examples of good practice
The relationship between mobile operators and local authorities came up frequently during SCWS, particularly in discussions about public connectivity and smart city planning. While challenges around coordination and process were acknowledged, speakers also pointed to positive examples of collaboration, including projects in Glasgow, Barnet, and Oxford, where shared objectives and open dialogue have supported more effective outcomes.
The importance of early engagement, clear guidance, and shared infrastructure strategies was a recurring theme.
Open RAN and mmWave: steady progress
Progress in Open RAN was addressed, with particular focus on its application in small cell environments. Conference participants pointed to a gradual collection of proof points in deployment where Open RAN compliance is providing benefits in certain scenarios where power consumption and deployment flexibility, especially within typical DAS deployment contexts, are present.
Julie Bradford, Head of Techno-Economic Analysis, moderated the panel discussion on “Architecture and spectrum for sharing,” which brought out a range of views on how network architectures and spectrum policies can best support scalable deployment.
She was joined by panellists from Druid Software, Meter, Battelle, and Cable Free for this interesting session, which included discussion around mmWave. While acknowledged as offering strong performance benefits, uptake remains limited due to cost, propagation characteristics and deployment complexity.
Bridging the standards gap with real-world examples
A number of sessions emphasised the value of practical pilots and trials to provide blueprints in helping translate standards into real deployments. Clear communication, accessible documentation, and collaboration across stakeholders were highlighted as important tools for making progress.
In several of his contributions, Simon reinforced the importance of applying standards in ways that support practical rollout; including highlighting Real Wireless’s ongoing work helping organisations assess not just the technical readiness of new network models, but also the broader operational, regulatory and commercial context they will operate in.
Security and data ownership influencing network choices
As conversations around data security and ownership continue to grow in prominence, some speakers observed that this may be influencing network technology choices. Cellular networks, with their built-in security features, are increasingly being considered for private deployments where control and assurance are priorities.
Looking ahead
SCWS 2025 provided a broad and balanced view of where the small cell ecosystem stands today. While some deployment pathways remain complex and have barriers to deployment and adoption, others are seeing steady and encouraging progress for the small cell enabled network sector.
From private networks and smart venues to shared infrastructure and local partnerships, the event demonstrated how small cells continue to create opportunities for a wide ecosystem engagement and collaboration, perhaps more so than the typical macro network approach to deployment. This dynamic seems to be creating a strong opportunity for innovation in deployment and commercial models; it will be interesting to see how this translates into positive outcomes for the industry over the coming year and how those developments shape the agenda for SCWS 2026.
