SHLB Roundup - Week of July 22

SHLB Weekly Roundup

Explore SHLB’s weekly highlights for the week of July 22.

July E-Rate Hotspot Webinar

Join us on July 31 at 1 pm ET for an exciting webinar where we will dive into the transformative power of the FCC’s July 18th E-rate Hotspot Lending Order.

Discover how schools and libraries can now tap into E-rate funding for hotspot devices and off-campus services, bridging the digital divide in low-income communities.

We’ll decode the new rules adopted and share practical strategies for maximizing impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your school or library!

Register here.

AnchorNets BEAD Funding Panel

How will states navigate the BEAD challenge process to maximize broadband funding?

Find out more at AnchorNets on October 2-4 in Crystal City, VA, from:

  • Scott Woods, President of Public-Private Partnerships at Ready.Net

  • Tamarah Holmes, Director of the Office of Broadband at the VA Department of Housing and Community Development.

Register here.

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

Issues We’re Working On

USF News from the 5th Circuit: On July 24, we received shocking news out of the 5th Circuit.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued an en banc opinion ruling that the current mechanism used to fund the Universal Service Fund is unconstitutional.

This decision comes after the court’s initial three-judge panel took the opposite stance last year, and conflicts with rulings from the 6th and 11th Circuits. SHLB submitted an intervenor’s brief supporting the FCC in the case, and we will continue to pursue ongoing efforts to protect the USF programs.

Read SHLB’s Press Release: SHLB Dismayed with 5th Circuit’s Outrageous USF Decision


You can also view Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s, Commissioner Starks’, and Commissioner Gomez’s statements.

Policy Groups Update

Anchors for Digital Equity Policy Call: On July 23, co-chairs Tom Esselman and Rebecca Ranallo discussed what it takes for anchors to participate in federal grant opportunities, including staffing, grant writing, and the complexities faced by smaller institutions.

Larra Clark, Deputy Director of PLA and Public Policy & Advocacy at ALA, joined the conversation to provide valuable insights on applying for Digital Equity funds. She shared tips, challenges, and logistical requirements for applicants to consider.

Other Highlights: Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant NOFO & New York Pole Attachments Decision

Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant NOFO: On July 24, the NTIA announced the availability of $1 billion for the Digital Equity Act’s Competitive Grant Program and released the much-anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Various organizations, including community anchor institutions, can apply for funding on a competitive basis.

New York Pole Attachments Decision: The New York Public Service Commission issued an order modifying the state’s pole attachment rules. We are pleased that the PSC established a collaborative working group—a recommendation championed by SHLB—to help streamline pole-related delays.

The PSC decided to maintain its current policy on pole replacement cost allocation, declining to shift financial responsibility for pole replacement costs necessitated by a new attachment request from a third-party attacher to the pole owner.

Happy Birthday to SHLB Staff: Saskya & Lauren

Have You Logged Into The New Member Portal Yet?

We’ve got a new member portal!

In order to do things like get your SHLB Member discount on an AnchorNets registration, you’ll need to activate your account in our new system.

If you’re reading this, it means we likely already have an email for you in our system, which you’ll need to verify and set a new password.

Check out this helpful blog with instructions on how to activate your updated account!

If you have any questions or concerns about navigating the new portal please email Kristen Engebretsen at kengebretsen@shlb.org.