Federal Legislation Could Affect Anchor Institution Internet

A variety of pending federal legislation could have far-reaching implications for schools, libraries, rural healthcare providers and other anchor institutions.  Here’s a brief summary of the status of these bills.  SHLB will keep you informed as these bills move through the Congressional process.

Eyes on the Board Act: On Feb. 5, the Senate Commerce Committee approved S. 278, the “Kids Off Social Media Act” led by Sen. Schatz (D-HI).  That legislation includes the “Eyes on the Board Act”, which says that schools may not receive E-rate funding unless they limit or ban student access to social media on school broadband networks.  SHLB has pointed out that some social media tools (such as Youtube and LinkedIn) have educational value, and local school districts (not the federal government) should set their social media policies.  SHLB has asked the authors of this legislation to consider changes to the bill language before it goes to the Senate floor.

HotSpot Lending:  Senator Cruz (R-TX) and 14 other Senators have sponsored S.J.Res. 7, which would reverse the FCC’s decision last year to allow schools and libraries to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots and service for off-premises use by students, school staff, and library patrons.  A similar resolution has also been introduced in the House (H.J.Res 33) by Rep. Fulcher (R-ID 1st District).  SHLB has long championed extending broadband access to students and library patrons in need.  In fact, almost 1,000 schools and libraries are currently planning to apply for this funding. We are concerned that using the Congressional Review Act to overturn the FCC's hotspot lending decision could bar future FCCs from making hotspots available through E-Rate.  SHLB will host a webinar on Wednesday, February 26 with school and library personnel to demonstrate the benefits of hotspots for online learning.  

USF Funding:  The Universal Service Fund (USF) is the primary federal broadband program that promotes broadband for schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and low-income and rural consumers.  Everyone on the network benefits if there are others on the network as well.  Draft legislation is circulating that would have Congress appropriate funds to administer the fund, which could jeopardize the future of E-Rate, Rural Health Care, and the other USF programs.  While the existing USF funding mechanism needs reform, SHLB is concerned that relying on annual Congressional appropriations would not provide predictable, long-term support, especially when anchor institutions must work within their own approved budgets. We are working with Congress to develop a more stable, long-term funding mechanism. 

Spectrum: The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing earlier today about the need to restore the FCC’s spectrum auction authority and to make more spectrum available. SHLB seeks to ensure that any legislation also leaves room for unlicensed and shared spectrum.  Several schools, libraries and tribes are using Wi-Fi and CBRS spectrum to deliver wireless internet service to students’ and patrons’ homes.  Any new spectrum legislation should have a balance of licensed, lightly licensed, shared and unlicensed spectrum.