SHLB Roundup - Week of April 29

SHLB Roundup - Week of April 29

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

SHLB Panel at NRTRC

On May 1, SHLB’s Policy Counsel, Kristen Corra, participated in a panel at the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center’s 2024 Conference in Seattle, Washington.

The discussion, which included SHLB member Shirley Lam (Assistant Director of Policy, Insure the Uninsured Project) and Debra Fuglie (Senior Consultant, Broadband, Solarity), focused on current investments in broadband deployment and digital equity.

Issues We’re Watching

  • Eyes on the Board Act:

    • Senator Cruz’s bill restricts school social media use on certain platforms and awaits Senate Commerce Committee approval. SHLB, ALA, CoSN and SETDA expressed our opposition to its E-rate funding clauses due to potential confusion and funding issues for schools and libraries. Read the letter here.

  • Spectrum Legislation:

    • Senators Cantwell and Lujan propose a bill for FCC spectrum license auctions, allocating $7 billion to the ACP. Senate Commerce Committee mark-up of this bill was expected on May 1 but was postponed indefinitely. SHLB supports this bill - read our press release here.

  • ACP Funding:

    • ACP funding expires this month. Wall Street Journal issued a highly critical op-ed against the program.

  • E-rate Hotspot Eligibility:

    • SHLB backs the FCC’s plan to fund diverse wireless connectivity options for remote learning through the E-rate program. FCC action is now expected in June.

  • State Digital Equity Capacity Grant:

    • State applications for the grant are due by May 28, 2024, and Territories by July 31, 2024. NTIA award decisions expected by August 28, 2024.

  • Net Neutrality:

    • The FCC’s new rules classify BIAS as a ‘telecommunications service,’ prohibiting unfair practices while not regulating rates or mandating unbundling. The definition of BIAS, exempting certain wifi services from net neutrality, remains unchanged.

Policy Groups Update

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

  • E-Rate Policy Group

    • On May 2, 75 SHLB members discussed the Eyes on the Board Act and its potential impact on E-rate funding for schools. Read SHLB’s letter to Congress here.

    • Other topics included:

      • The FCC’s Hot Spot lending NPRM and SHLB’s draft letter (circulating for comment) suggesting ways to extend E-rate support to more than just hotspots.

      • A summary of the recent USAC board meeting;

      • An update on the school bus WiFi court case;

      • A high-level summary of Funds for Learning’s annual E-rate Trends Report.

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For sponsorship inquiries, please reach out to Eric Fredell at efredell@shlb.org.
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