Intercontinental networking for Research & Education has always been an important element, as Science and Research are global endeavors for decades already, and Education is becoming global quickly. Major R&E Networks are now consciously looking at strengthening the Global Network Architecture. This session will address some diverse topics that are important to this global thinking. Presentations show pictures BELLA: Ensuring Future Connectivity between EU and Latin America Thomas Fryer Bridging the Digital Divide in Tropical South America Michael Stanton What did the Advanced North Atlantic network bring us? Erik Huizer