February Anchor Bytes: Policy Platform, Member Perks, and...

So many exciting things happened in February!

Our reception in Philadelphia was a huge success, with many state broadband leaders joining us and sharing their approval progress and next steps on their BEAD and digital equity plans. We enjoyed reconnecting with them and learning from their experiences.

We also launched three brand-new benefits for SHLB members!

• Broadband Policy Chats?is an interview series with broadband policymakers. Our first one will be on March 21 at noon ET with FCC’s Commissioner Anna Gomez , and SHLB members will be able to ask her questions.?
• Anchors for Digital Equity Policy Group - where members get together to discuss the latest policy in the digital equity space.?
• Broadband Deployment Policy Group - where members share best practices and challenges in deploying broadband infrastructure to anchor institutions.?

If you’re ready to?become a SHLB member and participate in these calls, please email Eric at [email protected].

In Washington D.C., SHLB's John Windhausen Jr. and Saskya Cabral attended a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to learn about?amplifying?the voices of underrepresented communities. It was hosted?by Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) ,?ALLvanza,?OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, and LGBT Tech .

Plus, a special shoutout to SHLB member Robert Branson , President and CEO of MMTC,?for his innovative approach of using paper fans as ACP awareness flyers in Black churches. What a creative way to spread the word!

AnchorNets 2024: Call for Proposals

We?need your help!

AnchorNets 2024 call for proposals is now open.?We want your ideas for the Anchors Rock! Showcase, breakout sessions, and plenary/ keynotes.

AnchorNets this year will take place:

??? October 2-4, 2024 ??Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA

Policy Updates

• E-rate Hotspot Lending: SHLB plans to hold?a round of meetings with the FCC?to showcase several companies, schools, and libraries that are deploying their own wireless?networks where cellular network?signals are not strong enough to rely on hotspots?for remote learning. If your organization is deploying alternative technologies to hotspots, please email John at [email protected]
• ACP Update: The bipartisan ACP Extension Act of 2024 (S. 3565 and H.R.?6929)?now?has 30 sponsors in the House.?If it passes, this bill?would provide additional ACP funding to carry the program through the end of 2024. SHLB continues to advocate for new funding to continue the ACP and?urges Congress to pass this bill and prevent millions of Americans from losing internet connectivity.?
• E-rate Cybersecurity: SHLB?joined the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) in filing comments?approving the FCC’s idea of a pilot program for cybersecurity services and equipment. We encourage you to sign our letter or file comments.?The?comments suggested updating the firewall definition, shortening the pilot to 18 months, and not reducing other E-rate funding.?
• 5th Circuit Court Case: SHLB filed a Motion to Intervene in the 5th Circuit court case regarding the constitutionality of school bus Wi-Fii funding under E-rate. The?FCC filed a Motion to Dismiss because the plaintiffs did not follow typical administrative remedies first. The court decided to delay a decision on the Motion to Dismiss and proceeded directly to decide the merits of the case.
• Pole Attachments:?SHLB filed two comments,?one responding to the FCC’s NPRM and another responding to a Petition for Reconsideration filed by EEI. SHLB urges the?FCC to provide more clarity around pole replacement cost allocation between pole owners and attachers.

Fresh Releases: Annual Report & Policy Platform

We stand at the precipice of bridging the digital divide, yet challenges persist: funding depletion threatens 22M households, pole attachment delays hinder deployment, and the USF faces legal battles.

Still, we advance—schools and libraries lead the way in deploying innovative wireless tech, AnchorNets 2023 was a success, SHLB added three new staff, states have done a great job in including anchors in their broadband maps, and our members continue to rock in getting the nation connected!

SHLB had an incredible year in 2023, driving many of its policy priorities forward. We filed comments and letters and held meetings with the Federal Communications Commission , Congressional?staff, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) , and state broadband officials.

But the work continues beyond there.

There are already multiple issues teed up that we intend to tackle in 2024.?We look forward to working with our members to continue advocating for high-speed, affordable broadband for anchor institutions and the communities they serve!?

Library Webinar

Last but not least,?we hosted a webinar with the American Library Association and?COSLA?on how libraries can get on the map for federal internet funding. View the recording here.

Member News

1. American Connection Corps: The American Connection Corps (ACC) is looking for host sites for its 2024-25 cohort of ACC AmeriCorps Members who will serve nationwide to foster digital inclusion and local leadership. This is a chance to add critical capacity and top talent to your organization and make a profound impact in your community. Apply as a host site by clicking here.
2. Vermont Community Broadband Board: Meghan O'Rourke, CCTV, hosts a conversation with Christine Hallquist, the Executive Director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board . They discuss the plans for Broadband buildout, what it will take and why it is important, and what the office is trying to do on the legislative front.

SHLB newsletters are made possible by our generous corporate sponsors: Ready.net ENA by Zayo T-Mobile