Small Cell Forum maps 2026 push for scalable 5G growth

Small Cell Forum has set out its priorities for 2026, describing the year as a decisive period for whether small cell deployments move beyond pilots and isolated roll-outs into more repeatable programmes.

The industry group said its analysis points to 2027 as a turning point for the global small cell market. It cited a spread of almost 700,000 deployed small cell units between best- and worst-case outcomes, depending on progress in removing deployment barriers.

Small Cell Forum also reported a projected 9.4 percent compound annual growth rate through to 2030. It said the central issue in 2026 centres on operational readiness, rather than demand.

"The industry has an opportunity during 2026 to address deployment complexity, strengthening neutral host and enterprise models, and accelerating adoption of 5G Standalone and AI enabled automation. Small cells are now carrying a meaningful share of traffic in major cities. The priority this year is to ensure deployment frameworks and technical enablers can support the next phase of growth," said Simon Fletcher, SCF Chief Strategy Officer.

Small Cell Forum said it will direct activity during 2026 at lowering barriers to deployment. It also plans to expand work across private networks and non-terrestrial networks. The organisation said it will increase regional guidance and support and it highlighted differences in market maturity, policy and deployment models. It cited its Local Authority Connectivity Group as one vehicle for engagement.

Enterprise focus

Small Cell Forum said enterprise indoor environments continue to represent the largest share of small cell deployments. It attributed demand to requirements for reliable indoor coverage and capacity.

It also pointed to increased interest in neutral host models, particularly in enterprise settings. It said shared infrastructure can affect cost and complexity in deployment planning and operations.

The group said it will prioritise predictable and repeatable deployment approaches in 2026. It also said it will encourage wider adoption of neutral host models in regions that have not embraced them.

Small Cell Forum referenced work on in-building and neutral host frameworks. It listed JOTS, MOCN and MORAN among the frameworks under discussion. It also said it will engage more closely with local authorities and building owners on requirements and constraints.

Operational delivery

Small Cell Forum said network architectures continue to shift toward 5G Standalone and software-driven approaches. It also said infrastructure costs and operational complexity remain persistent constraints on deployments.

It said 2026 should mark a shift in automation and AI-assisted planning and optimisation. It described a move from early adoption toward wider use. It identified enterprise and venue environments as key settings.

"The next 12 months will be critical for organizations preparing for wider adoption of small cell solutions. SCF will focus on providing the practical guidance and open interface specifications required to support members across the ecosystem. Collaboration remains essential if the sector is to realize the long-term growth we anticipate," said SCF Chair, Dr. Prabhakar Chitrapu.

Small Cell Forum said it will continue work on open interfaces and specifications. It said this work will cover 5G FAPI and nFAPI specifications. It also referenced activity related to non-terrestrial networks and emerging AI-driven architectures.

"As SCF continues to advance open interfaces, the work on the FAPI roadmap during 2026 will be central to enabling new capabilities, including NTN support, the foundations for future Fronthaul evolution and 6G readiness. Preparing these specifications now will help ensure consistent and interoperable small cell platforms as the market enters its next phase," said Andrei Radulescu, Engineer, Principal, at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., an SCF Board member company.

Definitions debate

Small Cell Forum said the market faces growing ambiguity around what constitutes a small cell. It said the distinctions between small cells, mini macro solutions, distributed antenna systems and other radio technologies have become blurred.

It linked that lack of clarity to uncertainty for regulators, planners and building owners. It also said it can slow deployment decisions.

In 2026, Small Cell Forum said it will convene members to agree a concise and inclusive definition. It said the definition will reflect modern deployments across products, solutions and networks.

"Operators and enterprises demand continues to rise as organizations seek better indoor and outdoor performance, and greater flexibility. Small cells are well suited to this requirement and offer a practical foundation for early adoption of 5G Standalone and AI-enhanced optimization across diverse environments. Engagement through SCF helps ensure that vendor and operator perspectives are reflected in open specifications and best practice guidance," said Kyle Allen, SVP, Strategic Operations, Airspan Networks, an SCF member company.