Hi all, This is the long overdue briefing of our meeting with Sebastián Bellagamba (ISOC). Participants were Nico Pace, Sebastián, Christian O'Flaherty (only part of the meeting) and myself. Sebastian presented what are the current strategies or actions ISOC is working on in the CN area: - The first thing he mentioned is that ISOC will not be helping to deploy and grow a massive number of Community Networks, but they will rather focus on a few highly visible projects. One in Argentina, one in Kyrgyzstan and another in a third country I did not write down (maybe someone here knows about the project). - They are working on developing what he called an "enabling environment" for Community Networks. This includes: * Spectrum * Licencing * Capacity building * Global CN community deveolpment - Regarding Spectrum, they define GSM as their priority. I couldn't quite catch what has driven them to this conclusion. I mentioned the importance of expanding the Wi-Fi spectrum to the upper 4Ghz and lower 6Ghz bands; and also the importance of fighting for some TVWS spectrum for community networks. - Regarding licencing, he mentioned they are focusing on two strategies: * defining licencing models that are adapted to CN needs * defining regulation that allows CNs to operate without a licence (mostly in rural and underserved areas) - Regardin Community Development: * Sebastián sees the CNSIG as an important actor. He mentioned he can work with us on planning regional or global gatherings. Considering the ISOC budget for 2018 is already defined, it would be easier to plan for regional during 2018 and global during 2019. * He also mentioned it would be good to have CNSIG representation during LACIGF I presented a perspective that I believe is crucial for the moment we are living: Community Networks are currently a promise, with big potential, but there are issues that we need to work on if we truly want to have a significant quantitative impact on "connecting the next billion", as the Internet community likes to say. Regulation issues are one aspect, but we have work to do on technology and capacity building with a focus on scale if we are to deliver on some of the expectations that are building up regarding community networks. I would really hate to see a CN bubble pop in 2019. Those of you who have been taking part in international events must have heard the phrase: "money for CNs will only last until 2019". On this matters his reply was: "there is no money during 2018 for the CNSIG appart from whatever you can get from Beyond the Net program". Beyond the Net is now accepting applications and Nico Pace started another thread proposing some CNSIG coordination. But the other aspect we should consider is understanding and being able to propose lines of work and support during 2019 with some chance of influencing ISOC's budget planning. Last but not least, we agreed to hold regular meetings so we can better coordinate the work of the CNSIG and ISOC's CN strategy. Please share your thoughts or questions. Cheers! NicoEchániz