In June 2020, the Commission adopted the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1070 on small-area wireless access points (SAWAPs), also called small cells.
The term ‘small cells’ refers to low-power wireless network access equipment of small size, operating within a short range. It contains a low visual impact antenna and complies with the human exposure limits for electromagnetic fields (EMF) pursuant to Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC for the protection of public health. Small cells are crucial for the timely deployment of fully-fledged 5G networks, in order to provide high-capacity and increased coverage as well as high connection speeds.
This Regulation specifies the physical and technical characteristics of small cells subject to a permit-exempt deployment regime, while ensuring that national authorities maintain regulatory oversight. It aims to help simplifying and speeding up the installation of mobile (5G) networks.
Member States have an annual obligation to report on the application of this Regulation, for the first time at the end of 2021.
The Commission has prepared its second overview report for the year 2022, based on the individual reports received from the Member States. It also provides a comparison with the deployment of small cells during the first reporting period (August 2020 – December 2021).
Related content
Report / Study | 14 October 2022
The Commission prepared an overview of the application of the implementation regulation on small-area wireless access points in member states.