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The Small Cell Forum (SCF), which is a trade organisation that works to help accelerate the roll-out of related mobile networks, has today published the first part of a new guide to help UK Local Authorities understand how small cells can support better mobile connectivity in their towns and cities.
Small cells are mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which are designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 100 to 200 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas and specific sites or events – it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lamp posts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (i.e. they can be more cost-effective than building new street assets or trying to secure wayleaves on buildings etc.).
The new downloadable SCF guide is the first published resource from SCF’s Local Authority Connectivity Group, launched in February 2026 to bring councils and the wireless industry together to address practical barriers to small cell deployment. The group includes council representatives from Cambridgeshire, Glasgow, Oxfordshire and Shropshire, alongside SCF member companies the Wireless Infrastructure Group (WiG) and telecoms giant BT.