Agenda topics overview
In a defining year for small cells, where demand is growing at pace, and forecasts between best- and worst-case deployment figures in 2027 will be defined by the choices and decisions the industry makes this year, SCWS 2026 will play a pivotal role in shaping the discussion and moving our eco-system in the right direction to achieve commercial success.
Delivering world-class content from leading figures from around the world, SCWS will bring together those who use and require connectivity – from venue owners to local authorities – to those who provide it – from the MNOs and service providers, to the equipment and software vendors. Alongside policy-makers, regulators and industry experts, SCWS will discuss, debate and share knowledge to tackle the big issues in our industry today: Deployment of shared networks, connectivity for local authorities, next generation service providers, AI RAN and Edge AI, the future roll-out of 6G, Non-Terrestrial Networks, Open RAN, private and enterprise networks and much more.
In addition, SCWS continues to play an important role providing high value networking and branding opportunities for speakers, sponsors and exhibitors, with a lively exhibition zone and networking areas as well as additional focused workshops.
The conference is set around six core themes:
The expanding small cells eco-system: An industry in growth
As 2025’s SCF Market Forecast report shows, small cell deployments are forecast to grow, rising to a 9.4% CAGR through 2030. This session will set the scene with the latest 2026 forecast figures, followed by keynote presentations from global MNOs, world-leading vendors and industry analysts and experts on the state of the industry and the key areas of innovation and change. It will also dive into how flexible and innovative regulation will be vital in helping the industry achieve best-case deployment forecasts.
Next generation networks for venues – the new wave of connectivity demand
Following our popular stadiums connectivity sessions at SCWS we are broadening our discussion to the solutions and technologies delivering next generation connectivity for a range of places from sports venues to campuses, retail venues and ports. Hear from venue owners on their plans, requirements and challenges and from vendors and service providers with case studies on the very latest deployments and technologies meeting this growing demand.
Open networks and sharing frameworks – are we nearly there?
Open, interoperable networks has always been part of SCF’s mission for many years, and this landscape continues to evolve and change every year. Bringing in speakers from collaborating organizations such as O-RAN Alliance and the OAI we will discuss the roadmap and also look at how sharing frameworks such as JOTS, MOCN and MORAN and going to play a pivotal role for a range of deployment scenarios.
Future networks; from AI to satellites
Our industry is moving at pace. Small cells and related technologies are now part of a broad wireless eco-system that includes private networks, Non-Terrestrial Networks, AI-RAN, Edge AI and will eventually be moving towards a range of 6G solutions. Alongside this, small cells will have an important role to play in more sustainable, energy efficient networks. Hear from leading global experts on what is being done now to ensure the technologies and networks of the future are fit for purpose and will be commercially viable for the industry and users.
Private, enterprise and edge networks
With small cells and related technologies integral to many private networks and enterprise scenarios, whether indoor or out – or most often a mix of the two – we will discover how innovation across the eco-system is enabling the delivery of secure and reliable networks and how edge is bringing innovation in systems that improve the end user experience.
Neutral host in-building solutions and mission critical applications
The growth of neutral host networks in recent years has opened the door to a range of new applications and business models. By harnessing new service provider models, in- building cellular connectivity can become a commercial reality for venues large and small and they can also support mission critical and emergency scenarios indoors and outdoors. This session will host the announcement of a new SCF work item looking at FR3 spectrum for indoor deployment, led by Saudi regulator CST.
SCWS workshops
1. Globalizing network sharing frameworks – in collaboration with the UK JOTS Forum (Midday on 3rd June)
It is now becoming more widely recognized and accepted that sharing frameworks can be a powerful activator for innovation in cellular networks to enable use cases like indoor coverage and also outdoor coverage where macro is not enough. In this dedicated workshop for MNOs and neutral hosts we will discover and discuss more about emerging sharing specifications from around the world. The Mobile UK JOTS (Joint Operator Technical Specification) Forum will share latest thoughts on using shared spectrum for JOTS NHIB, and we will hear perspectives from European countries and beyond on different operator sharing models. Discussion and questions will be encouraged.
2. Local Authority connectivity: breakfast briefing (3rd June, 8-10am)
This is an invite-only briefing for local authorities, with speakers from SCF, the UK Government and industry experts, to shine a light on the latest developments around small cell deployments for public outdoor spaces in the UK.
How and why deploy small cells? An update on Open Access Agreement templates and the resources for local authorities. Data and analysis on hot spots and not spots. And hear case studies and best practice examples of local city and town deployments.