SHLB Applauds Supreme Court Decision in Wisconsin Bell Case

Washington, D.C. (February 21, 2025) – The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition celebrates today’s unanimous Supreme Court decision in Wisconsin Bell v. U.S., a ruling that reinforces the integrity of the E-rate program and holds providers accountable under the False Claims Act. The 9-0 decision in favor of Todd Heath sends a signal to the broadband industry that companies cannot overcharge schools and libraries for broadband and telecommunications services.

SHLB participated in this case by joining the Southern Education Foundation and several others in an amicus brief in support of Todd Heath. The Supreme Court ruling affirms that reimbursement requests submitted to the E-rate program can be considered "claims" under the False Claims Act, a determination that strengthens enforcement measures and helps safeguard critical broadband funding for anchor institutions nationwide.

“This decision is a win for schools and libraries who rely on the E-rate program for essential broadband services,” said SHLB Executive Director John Windhausen. “By clarifying the applicability of the False Claims Act to E-rate reimbursements, the Court helps ensure that schools and libraries are able to obtain prices that are no higher than the rates charged to similarly situated customers. This ruling helps improve the efficiency of the Universal Service Fund and the E-Rate program.”

“Notably, the Court sided with the Seventh Circuit and rejected the view of the Fifth Circuit decision. We hope the Supreme Court does the same in the upcoming Consumers’ Research case, which is set to be argued before the Supreme Court next month,” said Kristen Corra, SHLB’s Policy Counsel. “SHLB will continue to advocate for a strong and sustainable Universal Service Fund and monitor developments that may impact its future.”

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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.