September Anchor Bytes: AnchorNets Countdown & SHLB Highlights

SHLB in Action

In September, SHLB was involved in key events to close the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.

John Windhausen Jr. led a panel at The Brookings Institution for the launch of Dr. Nicol Turner Lee’s book Digitally Invisible: How the Internet is Creating the New Underclass.

Dr. Nicol Turner Lee emphasized the urgent need for universal internet access, stating, “People should not have to decide between broadband and bread.” Don’t miss her plenary session and book signing at AnchorNets on October 4!

Additionally, SHLB hosted a reception in Portland, Oregon, for state broadband, digital equity, and tribal leaders as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) -sponsored SBLN annual meeting.

With around 250 attendees, John discussed the importance of using BEAD funds for low-cost wireless networks to support education and telehealth services for low-income communities.

AnchorNets Countdown

The countdown is on, and we’re just two days away from AnchorNets! Join over 375 registrants and be part of this exciting event.

And don’t miss out on our pre-conference workshops, available online for those who can’t attend in person—register now, and even if you can’t join live, you’ll receive the recording to watch at your convenience so you won’t miss a moment!

Be sure to check out the full conference agenda to plan your schedule and maximize your experience. To help plan your arrival, make sure to visit our travel page for all the details you need.

We can’t wait to see you at AnchorNets!

Register Here

Universal Service Fund Webinars

Since July, we’ve hosted a series of webinars covering key FCC funding programs within the Universal Service Fund (USF), including hotspots, cybersecurity, and an in-depth analysis of the 5th Circuit decision and the USF’s funding mechanism.

If you missed any of these sessions, you can catch up on our YouTube channel.

For those looking to dive deeper into cybersecurity and hotspots, we’ll be hosting online workshops on October 2. You can find more details here.

A big thank you to our amazing expert speakers who made these webinars highly informative and brought you the latest updates.

SHLB’s Filings & Letters

NTIA Comments: SHLB filed comments with NTIA on Alternative Technologies, encouraging NTIA to adopt a technology-neutral approach so as not to discourage fixed wireless or LEO satellite broadband services.

Petition for Reconsideration: SHLB filed a Petition for Reconsideration of the FCC's Hotspot Lending decision, encouraging the FCC to permit E-rate funding for functionally-equivalent wireless services.

Amicus Brief: SHLB is filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting enforcement of the "lowest corresponding price" rule to ensure schools and libraries are able to obtain lower prices.

USF Working Group Recommendations: SHLB provided the Congressional USF Working Group with recommendations on how to redefine the FCC-USAC relationship in response to the Fifth Circuit decision finding the existing process unconstitutional.

Member Spotlight: Evan and John

Policy Group Call Updates

E-Rate Policy Call (Sept 5): The E-rate group discussed FCC updates, including the Cybersecurity Pilot Program, the Hotspot Lending Initiative, and upcoming deadlines for the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. SHLB is gathering member questions for the USAC E-rate workshop at AnchorNets.

Rural Healthcare Policy Call (Sept 12): SHLB and members discussed the RHC program's significance post-5th Circuit USF decision and upcoming steps to continue supporting this critical funding program.

Digital Equity Policy Call (Sept 24): The group addressed challenges for smaller organizations in meeting NTIA competitive grant requirements, highlighting local hurdles and how the program will work alongside state-led grants.

Broadband Deployment Policy Call (Sept 26): The group reviewed the NTIA meeting in Portland, with discussions on using BEAD non-deployment funds for low-cost wireless networks and a lawsuit filed by Cox against Rhode Island.

These calls are exclusive to SHLB members. If you're interested in membership, feel free to reach out to Eric Fredell at [email protected].

Member News

Are you a SHLB member with news or achievements to share? Submit them here, and we’ll include them in our next newsletter.

• Tarana Wireless : CEO Basil Alwan testified before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee, discussing the BEAD program. Watch a condensed version here.
• Benton Institute for Broadband & Society : Learn how communities can manage the challenges of broadband deployment in Permitting Success: Closing the Digital Divide Through Local Broadband Permitting. Also, explore the risks and opportunities in digital equity in Building Safety Into Digital Inclusion Efforts: Risks and Opportunities in the Digital Equity Act.
• Law Office Of Rachelle Chong : Successfully represented the Fort Mojave Tribe and Fort Mojave Telecommunications Inc. in defending their broadband project locations against challenges related to a Rural Utility Service broadband grant in California.
• SETDA : Released its State EdTech Trends Report, covering priorities like AI in classrooms, cybersecurity, and digital equity.
• Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) : In partnership with CAST, CoSN published a report on AI and Accessibility in Education, focusing on how AI can enhance support for students with disabilities.
• INCOMPAS : The 2024 INCOMPAS Show, taking place October 20-22 in Denver, is a key event for the communications and broadband industry. Register here.
• Vermont Community Broadband Board : Announced the development of the Long Drop Program to assist low-income residents with broadband installation costs. Read more in the press release.