Small Cells World Summit 2026 opens registration in London

Small Cell Forum has opened registration for Small Cells World Summit 2026 and outlined seven core agenda themes, placing network sharing, venue connectivity and future network architectures at the centre of the discussion.

The event returns to the Shaw Theatre and conference suite at the Pullman London St Pancras on 2-3 June 2026. Small Cell Forum expects the programme to reflect a pivotal period for the small cells market, as operators and other stakeholders decide how and where to scale deployments.

Small cells are low-power radio access nodes that improve mobile coverage and capacity across indoor and outdoor locations. They feature in operator plans for dense urban areas, transport hubs and large public venues, and in neutral host models where multiple operators share infrastructure.

Agenda themes

The agenda is structured around seven themes. The first looks at the expanding small cells ecosystem and growing supplier, operator and partner activity. Another covers connectivity blueprints for public places, moving the discussion from planning to deployment.

A third theme examines next-generation networks for venues and rising connectivity demand in locations such as stadiums, arenas and transport facilities. The programme also includes a strand on open networks and sharing frameworks, focusing on readiness and real-world implementation.

Future network topics form another pillar, spanning areas from artificial intelligence to satellites. Separate themes cover private, enterprise and edge networks, alongside neutral host in-building systems and mission-critical applications.

The themes reflect the widening range of parties involved in small cell deployments. Operators remain central, but decision-making increasingly includes local authorities, venue owners, regulators and policymakers. These groups influence site access, planning processes, funding approaches and long-term ownership models for indoor and outdoor infrastructure.

Industry participation

The summit is designed to bring together mobile network operators, neutral host providers, vendors and public sector stakeholders, as well as organisations that commission connectivity for their own premises and services.

The event's positioning reflects broader shifts in how mobile networks are built and financed. Demand for more consistent indoor coverage and higher capacity in busy locations has driven interest in shared infrastructure and third-party deployment models. These approaches can reduce equipment duplication and speed roll-outs where multiple operators need access on similar timelines.

Debates about open network architectures and interoperability also continue. Operators and suppliers have explored approaches that separate hardware and software, as well as models that broaden the supplier base. The industry is also tracking AI tools within radio access networks and at the edge, alongside early-stage work on 6G and the role of non-terrestrial networks.

Simon Fletcher, Chief Strategy Officer at Small Cell Forum, said the agenda is intended to connect organisations that demand connectivity with those that deliver it.

"This year, the agenda we have created will draw together leading figures from around the world, connecting those who require connectivity with those who provide it. We are set to hear insightful discussions and debate around some of the biggest issues in our industry - deployment of shared networks, connectivity for local authorities, AI RAN and Edge AI, and the future of 6G rollout and non-terrestrial networks. I can't wait to see what's discussed and what direction the debate takes," Fletcher said.

Workshops and awards

Alongside the main conference programme, Small Cell Forum is planning targeted workshops. One session, titled "Globalizing network sharing frameworks", is scheduled in collaboration with the UK JOTS Forum. Another, "Local Authority connectivity", is planned as an invite-only breakfast briefing for local authority participants.

The first evening programme includes an open networking drinks reception, followed by the Small Cell Forum Mobile Network Awards ceremony and reception.

Small Cell Forum members are eligible for a 25% discount on tickets. Mobile network operators and government officials can also access a hosted buyer programme.