SHLB Advocates for E-Rate Program Integrity in Supreme Court Case

Washington, D.C. (October 1, 2024)—Today, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, in partnership with the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), filed an amicus brief in support of the respondent in Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States of America ex rel. Todd Heath, 144 S.Ct. 2657 (2024). This pivotal case, scheduled for a Supreme Court oral argument in November, focuses on the enforcement of the E-Rate program’s lowest corresponding price rule through the Federal Claims Act. 

This rule which was established by the FCC pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, ensures that schools and libraries across the nation receive the lowest possible price for their telecom and broadband needs. The current case involves allegations that Wisconsin Bell significantly overcharged schools and libraries for broadband services, undermining the program’s intent.

“Implementing the lowest corresponding price rule will reinforce the principle that schools and libraries deserve the highest quality internet at the most affordable rates,” said John Windhausen, Executive Director of the SHLB Coalition. “This case is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the E-Rate program and ensuring that students and library patrons, especially those in rural and low-income communities, have equitable access to the digital tools they need to succeed.”

The E-Rate program offers subsidies covering up to 90 percent of internet costs, depending on the poverty level of the school. It supports 106,000 schools and 12,500 libraries, benefiting 54 million students nationwide. Without stringent enforcement of E-Rate rules, students in lower-income areas would face significant disadvantages, a disparity highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became crucial.

Since its founding, the SHLB Coalition has been committed to advocating for policies that support CAIs and bridge the digital divide. The Coalition’s mission aligns with the goals of the E-Rate program, ensuring that high-quality education and internet access are available to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The amicus brief can be found here.

Contact: Saskya Cabral, PR & Marketing Director, scabral@shlb.org

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About SHLB

The SHLB Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that supports open, affordable, high-quality broadband connections for anchor institutions and their surrounding communities. The SHLB Coalition is based in Washington, D.C. and has a diverse membership of commercial and non-commercial organizations from across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.