March 31-April 2, 2006, the Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network (CUWiN), Free Press, and Mid-Rivers Community Wireless Network hosted the Second National Summit for Community Wireless Networks at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.

Even though the title of the conference says “National” (aka American), there was a strong Canadian presence at the summit. In addition to the 3 Wireless Toronto attendees (Gabe, Dory, myself), a group of 5 came from Montreal’s Ile Sans Fil, to deliver an outstanding panel, ?éle Sans Fil, and Hacking Your City:

“An 80 minute discussion of how community wireless networks can be a way to make an impact in your community on matters of social cohesion, art, culture, and civic information. Following, a 40 minute explanation and Q+A on WifiDog–a captive portal designed for these uses.”

The conference was an amazing opportunity to meet other community wireless and muni-wireless enthusiasts, and engage with policymakers, industry reps, and implementers. Over 200 people attended, and came from as far as Belgrade, Ghana, Santiago, Calcutta, and Berlin to share their experiences, discuss challenges and consider opportunities.

For anyone interested in reading up on the summit, fellow Canadian Lisa Yeo (Edmonton) has excellent notes from the summit on her blog. Of course, there is also the always excellent blog maintained by the Summit founder/director, Sascha Meinrath (CUWiN).