The 27th Plenary meeting, with 80 representatives from 44 different companies including operators from Asia, Europe and America, coming together in Milan to discuss the future of small cells.with 80 representatives from 44 different companies including operators from Asia, Europe and America, coming together in Milan to discuss the future of small cells.

“We’re really pleased to be able to welcome more start-ups into the Small Cell Forum by offering this new membership option,” said Sue Monahan, CEO of the Small Cell Forum.

“Lots of new and emerging companies are doing innovative work involving small cells, so we’d now encourage them to join the Forum and help shape the direction of this industry and the work that we’re doing.”

Virtualization as well as Rural and Remote applications were the two main areas of focus for the Plenary, with work taking place across all groups ahead of the launch of Release Five at Mobile World Congress next year. The Rural and Remote release will address small cell use cases not just in rural areas, but also in transportation, special events and temporary coverage needs.

"It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the hive of activity that’s taken place across all of the working groups at the latest Plenary,” said Alan Law, Chair of the Small Cell Forum.

“This is an exciting time for me to be taking on the role of chair and the work that’s taken place in Milan is incredibly important not just for the next part of our Release Program, but for the future of small cells. Virtualization is a really hot topic across the mobile industry and one that the Small Cell Forum is working hard to address.”

The work on virtualization covered its impact on everything from network architecture to the business case. While work has already started in many of these areas, the Small Cell Forum is inviting both members and the wider industry to get behind the initiative and provide input.