The Small Cell Forum called on regulators to build a “consistent and supportive” environment for the deployment of dense HetNets, warning that otherwise 5G deployments could be “significantly impacted”.

“While the air interface continues to dominate industry discussion, the biggest challenges in rolling out the dense networks associated with 5G lie in the underlying network architecture and fragmented and outdated national regulatory frameworks,” said Small Cell Forum chair David Orloff.

“It is critical that the industry works in conjunction with regulatory bodies to create an environment in which these networks can be swiftly and cost-effectively deployed.”

The Forum said dense HetNets represent a “fundamental shift in telecoms infrastructure,” providing the underlying communications backbone for pervasive and robust connectivity.

It said it is developing different best practice guidelines for states, regulators and municipalities in North America in collaboration with 5G Americas, in Latin America in collaboration with the GSMA, and with operators in the Middle East and Asia.

In Europe, it is preparing responses to the UK Digital Economy Bill, and “closely following” the review of the European telecoms framework.