The technology described here allows a cell to change a cell identity without disrupting ongoing communication in that cell. In one non-limiting example embodiment, a cell identity change message is sent by a base station to one or more UEs being served in that base station. That message includes at least a new cell identifier and preferably also includes information indicating when that new cell identifier becomes active. In another non-limiting example embodiment, a cell identity change message is sent by a base station changing its cell identity to one or more neighboring base stations.