SHLB Coalition

Our 11th Annual Conference attracted attendees from across the country including anchor institutions and all levels of government. We had two speakers from the White House, and several additional speakers from NTIA, FCC, USAC, and state broadband offices. The conference hosted 360 attendees, 18 breakout sessions, 1 workshop and 2 showcases. Keynotes included Louis Riggs, State Representative, Missouri House of Representatives; Neil Mylet, Chairman, MyletX; Monique Tate, Co-Director, Community Tech NY; Danae Wilson, Assistant Director for Internet Access, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; and Joey Wender, Director, Capital Projects Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury. In the Conference evaluation, 28 respondents said they were "Highly Satisfied" compared to 12 who were just "Satisfied." (No commenter said they were "Unsatisfied.") We also held two successful receptions for State Broadband Leaders in February (in DC) and in August (in Indianapolis). These two events were coordinated in advance with NTIA and also helped SHLB develop relationships with state broadband officials responsible for allocating BEAD funding.

SHLB achieved more policy victories in 2023 than any previous year.The FCC adopted an order in the Rural Health care docket that adopted several SHLB recommendations. The FCC adopted a Declaratory Ruling that Wifi on school buses will be eligible for E-rate support, a policy change that SHLB has requested for several years. The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to permit libraries and schools to receive E-rate support for a hot spot lending program. SHLB held several meetings and filed several comments to support making cybersecurity eligible for E-rate support. SHLB drafted and filed comments asking NTIA to waive or eliminate the letter of credit requirement in the BEAD NOFO, along with 47 other SHLB members. We continued to participate in court cases challenging the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund in the 5th, 6th, 11th, and DC Circuits. We released a set of 12 policy recommendations for state broadband leaders as they prepare their state broadband plans.

The SHLB Coalition works with a diverse group of organizations from across the broadband ecosystem. SHLB members work together to identify and shape broadband policies that recognize and strengthen the vital role of anchors in making broadband accessible to all Americans. In 2023, SHLB totaled 320+ members and reflected a diversity of anchor institutions, broadband providers, consultants, and other public interest organizations. The Coalition is based in almost all US states, except North Dakota.