Bi-Weekly Member Call

This bi-weekly call provides updates on federal and state broadband policy and regulatory
developments across the broadband landscape. It’s the best way to stay informed about all of
SHLB’s broadband policy work and advocacy efforts in support of anchor institutions, and
how such policies impact your organization.

SHLB Staff: John Windhausen 

November Meeting Summary

November 4, 2024: Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Policy Advocacy for Common Sense, discussed the organization’s latest AI research and ratings and work the organization is doing to create a literacy curriculum for students. We also heard from Brian Allenby with the Maine Connectivity Authority, who explained the state’s new program to purchase satellite terminals for residents in rural Maine.

SHLB is also participating in two coalitions designed to support E-rate and the Universal Service Fund.  The Affordable Broadband Campaign is focused on folding the ACP into the USF and finding a stable funding source.  The Keep Our Communities Connected coalition includes school and library organizations that will advocate for the E-rate and Rural Health Care programs before Congress (SHLB is on the Steering Committee of this coalition).

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are available to members here.

  • Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Policy Advocacy, Common Sense
  • Andrea Levandowski, Adult Services Specialist, New Jersey State Library
  • Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives, SETDA
  • Evan Wolstencroft, Program Manager, Texas Rural Funders
  • Dr. John Graham, President and Cofounder, NC Telehealth Network Association (NCTNA)
  • Alex Wermer-Colan, Executive Director, Philly Community Wireless
  • Esther Jang, Director, Local Connectivity Lab
  • Alice Lawson, Wireless Affairs Advisor, City of Seattle
  • Chip Pickering, CEO, INCOMPAS
  • Adam Geisler, President and COO, Tribal Ready
  • Brittany-Rae Gregory, Communications Director, Next Century Cities
  • Annie Norman, Director, Delaware Division of Libraries
  • Stephanie Stenberg, Director, Community Anchor Program, and Therese Perlowski, Program Manager of the Community Anchor Program, Internet2
  • Eric Sasaki, Manager of Major Programs, Los Angeles County’s Internal Services Department
  • Erica Meyers, Senior Manager of Global Government Affairs, SpaceX
  • Dirk Gates, SVP of Customer Service, and Carl Guardino, VP of Government Affairs & Policy, Tarana Wireless
  • Robin Olds, Business Development Manager, Cisco’s Broadband Program Office
  • Dustin Loup, Director of Community Development, Ready.Net
  • Melissa Newman, SVP of Government Affairs, TIA
  • Phil Essington, Director of Broadband & Digital Inclusion, Hennepin County

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