With the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) set to take place in Shanghai in October 2027, national regulatory authorities across Europe are preparing positions on spectrum decisions that will shape the future of mobile communications. These decisions will impact not only traditional mobile networks but also emerging deployment models including private and hybrid networks.

For Jussi Kahtava, independent telecoms specialist and recently appointed Regional Chair for Small Cell Forum’s Regulation & Policy Group in Europe, this creates an opportunity to ensure the small cells ecosystem is represented in these discussions.

With experience spanning standards bodies such as 3GPP and ETSI, and regulatory organisations including ITU-R and CEPT, Jussi brings a practical understanding of how technical requirements translate into regulatory frameworks. His role focuses on engaging national regulatory authorities, raising awareness of SCF’s work and supporting dialogue that enables small cell deployment across the region.

Q&A with Jussi Kahtava

How is the Regulation & Policy Group in Europe approaching the lead-up to WRC-27?

“As WRC-27 approaches, decisions on new IMT spectrum identification are starting to take shape. SCF has an important role to play in informing national regulatory authorities about the importance of hybrid and private networks, and the Regulation & Policy Group will increase its engagement as we move closer to the conference.

“We have also identified challenges in how national Mobile Country Codes (MCC) can fragment the market for private and hybrid networks in Europe. SCF is currently considering how this issue could be addressed.”

What are the key regulatory challenges you are looking to address through this work?

“I see SCF playing an important role in the small cells regulatory area. There are gaps that are not being addressed elsewhere, and issues that may remain unresolved unless SCF brings them into focus.

“Some of these challenges I encountered in previous roles, and I believe the Regulation & Policy Group can help bring the visibility and coordination needed for the industry to address them.”

What is your role within the working group?

“As Regional Chair for Europe, I focus on outreach to national regulatory authorities and other stakeholders. This includes raising awareness of SCF and helping build the support needed to influence regulatory decisions that enable small cell deployment across Europe.”

How does your experience across both standards and regulatory bodies shape your approach to this work?

“My background spans both standards and regulatory work. I have worked with standards bodies such as 3GPP and ETSI, and with regulatory organisations including ITU-R and CEPT. This combination provides an understanding of both the technical and regulatory aspects of the challenges, as well as how to engage with the different stakeholders involved.”

What do you value most about being part of SCF?

“I was previously involved with SCF for two years through a start-up, which found the membership and Small Cells World Summit (SCWS) event very valuable. After a period away, I am very pleased to have returned.

“The Regulation & Policy Group is highly collaborative and works effectively despite its size. More broadly, SCF brings together a group of people who are committed to addressing industry challenges.”

SCF’s perspective 

Prabhakar Chitrapu, SCF Chair and Lead of the Regulation & Policy Group, commented:

“Jussi brings valuable experience across both standards and regulatory domains, which is particularly important as we approach WRC-27. His understanding of how technical requirements translate into regulatory frameworks supports our work to ensure the small cell ecosystem is effectively represented in key policy discussions. His leadership in Europe will help strengthen engagement with regulators and support more coordinated approaches to deployment.”