Increased smartphone ownership, greater mobile usage indoors and demand for higher data rate services is leading operators to deploy more dense mobile networks. Today over 80% of mobile usage occurs inside buildings in developed markets and this figure is set to increase to more than 90% in the next few years. However, some building materials used to improve energy efficiency (for example, energy-efficient windows) can block radio signals.
One approach to facilitating greater in-building connectivity is to use small cells. Small cells are low powered radio access nodes or base stations operating in licensed or unlicensed spectrum that have a coverage range from a few meters up to a few hundred meters. They can be deployed to increase the mobile network capacity and coverage in localised areas whether inside buildings or in outdoor spaces.
As small cells have a relatively small form actor and are visually unobtrusive, local planning laws should allow for small cell deployments with minimal administrative hurdles or delays.
If they adopt nationally-standardised procedures and criteria for small cells based on international recommendations, municipalities will benefit from simplified administration and operators can deploy more efficiently and the community will gain from improved connectivity.
The GSMA has identified seven key policy recommendations to enable small cell deployments:
- Follow the internationally harmonised small cell power classes when developing regulations related to compliance with radiofrequency exposure limits.
- Adopt simplified procedures for building permits for small cells (if required) based on standardised size, installation requirements and radio characteristics.
- Accept declarations of compliance and do not require routine post installation measurement.
- Exempt small cell installations from location registration requirements.
- Reduce permit costs for small cells relative to those for macrocells.
- With respect to radiofrequency compliance, provide information for consumers and local authorities based on World Health Organisation recommendations.
- Facilitate access to existing structures, electrical power and data backhaul.
Regulatory frameworks that support the deployment of small cells will enable industry and governments to deliver on citizens’ digital connectivity expectations and pave the way to 5G.
More information, including the GSMA booklet, can be accessed here.