Dismantling Barriers to Hyperdense Network Deployments for 5G: Study Perspectives from the Global5G.org Project

The need for small cells will be even more critical in fifth-generation (5G) networks due to the introduction of higher spectrum bands, which necessitate denser network deployments to support larger traffic volumes per unit area. To that end, a network densification scenario commonly envisioned for 5G is the deployment of hyperdense networks with site deployment densities in excess of 150 sites/km2. However, it is already apparent that a number of practical deployment and regulatory barriers are likely to prevent the necessary network densification required to realize the 5G performance targets already envisioned in standards. In this paper, the regulatory factors influencing dense small cell deployments are analyzed, whilst taking into consideration the perspective of different stakeholders and highlighting potential areas of regulatory interventions to facilitate deployment. Specifically the analysis focuses on four key factors: general definition or classification small cells; regulatory implications on sharing of small cells; radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure limits; and approvals, licensing and permits for small cell deployments. While the study focus of the study is grounded within the European context, the barriers addressed are notably universal, and hence the study findings can be extrapolated for much wider geographies.