Sue Monahan is Small Cell Forum CEO

Sue Monahan is Small Cell Forum CEO

Small cell technology is accepted as being a key enabler to allow cellular networks to accommodate the huge increases that are being experienced in data throughput.

The Small Cell Forum is the independent industry and operator association that supports small cell deployment worldwide. It has guided the industry towards more standardisation as well as encouraging femtocell and other small cell technologies to enable operators to achieve their goals in an effective manner both in terms of technology and cost.

With its increasing voice in the industry the Small Cell Forum has appointed Sue Monahan as its CEO. She is also Director for the GSMA in North America, a role she will continue alongside her responsibilities within the Small Cell Forum.

Sue Monahan has a wide experience in cellular technology having held several senior roles in her career including AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Telcordia, as well as over 10 years as Director for GSMA North America.

In her role as CEO of the Small Cell Forum, Sue will be responsible for many areas of the activities of the Forum. These include carrier engagement and recruitment, as well as the Forum interactions with partner organizations. She will also take on management and senior-level interactions with the Small Cell Forum’s many working and technical groups. She will assist in helping guide the Small Cell Forum as it continues to deliver its Release Program.

One of the key issues is in ensuring that small cell deployments can be made alongside the more traditional macrocells without disrupting networks. Not only do small cells need to be low power, but they also need to be very low cost, especially in terms of deployment and this is a key issue for operators. Macrocells require large amounts of planning, both in terms of obtaining cell sites. Small cells are anticipated to be deployed as furniture on lampposts, or behind shop front, etc. Backhaul as well as the RF planning need to be handled very carefully, while still being able to reduce the overheads placed on macrocells.

It is in some of these areas where the Small Cell Forum is providing key inputs enabling operators and manufacturers to engage properly to meet the needs of the industry.

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