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SHLB Roundup - Week of April 15

Dive into our weekly review for a glimpse of SHLB's activities!

Pacific Northwest Gigapop & KINBERCON

Filing & Blog Post: E-Rate Funds for Hotspots

On April 15, SHLB submitted a letter to the FCC to make sure that the upcoming hotspot lending order is technology-neutral so schools and libraries can choose the best wireless option for their local market.

Read the full blog post here.

Next Century Cities

Issues We’re Watching

• ACP

  • There is an effort underway to vote on a Discharge Petition, which would bring the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 to the House floor for a full vote.

    Although the Bill has over 225 total Cosponsors, including 22 Republicans, it is not clear if Republicans will support the discharge petition.  

  • News Articles:

    • Millions of Americans stand to lose their subsidized home internet connection this year

    • Kansas Citians' internet bills increase after federal program begins to 'wind down'

Policy Groups Update

Here’s a look inside what was discussed on policy group meetings this week:

• Broadband Deployment

  • On April 16, Co-Chairs Jenny Miller (ESH) and Justin Fazzari (AppGeo) led a conversation about the state broadband challenge processes, RDOF amnesty, pole replacement costs and bulk billing.

• Wireless

  • On April 18, Co-Chair Philip Neufeld shared an inspiring story about how the Fresno Unified School District used their schools as towers to provide wireless internet access to students off-campus.

    He highlighted successes and current challenges they face. One lesson he highlighted was the importance of having community investment in your project in order to create a sustainable model.

Member Corner