SHLB Urges NTIA to Protect Anchor Institution Flexibility

Washington, D.C. (June 9, 2025) – The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is urging the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to reconsider elements of its recent policy notice that could restrict which community anchor institutions are eligible for funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

While the Department of Commerce has reaffirmed the statutory requirement that anchor institutions be prioritized for BEAD funds, NTIA’s latest guidance risks narrowing the definition of which anchor institutions qualify, potentially excluding critical institutions from receiving funding to provide high-speed broadband access in rural and underserved communities.

“While the Department of Commerce continues to recognize the important statutory requirement that community anchor institutions receive BEAD funds to better serve their communities, NTIA’s recent public notice seeks to limit the types of anchors that will benefit from the program,” said Joseph Wender, Executive Director of the SHLB Coalition. “In some neighborhoods, it’s not the school, library, or health clinic—but rather another anchor institution—that facilitates broadband use and serves as the community’s gathering place to work, learn, or seek care. That’s why we call on NTIA to ensure that state and local leaders have the discretion to identify and connect the full suite of anchor institutions that serve their constituents.”

SHLB believes that successful broadband deployment depends on empowering local and state decision-makers to meet the unique needs of their communities. Imposing a narrower federal definition could exclude vital local institutions from receiving the support they need to close the digital divide.

For more information on SHLB’s work to promote broadband for anchor institutions, visit www.shlb.org or follow @SHLBcoalition or follow @SHLBcoalition on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, or YouTube.

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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 across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.