Membership
Download Our "Why Join SHLB" PDF
The SHLB Coalition is a public interest organization that works to close the digital divide by promoting open, affordable, high-quality broadband for anchor institutions and their communities. As long-standing agents of equity and inclusion, anchors play a vital role in eliminating the digital divide. SHLB’s advocacy ensures that anchors’ unique needs and contributions are recognized and included in broadband policy discussions.
To achieve its mission, SHLB (“Shell-bee”) works closely with Congress, federal agencies (such as NTIA and the FCC), as well as state and local governments on a range of broadband policy issues. SHLB convenes hundreds of member organizations from across the broadband ecosystem that work cooperatively to inform and shape SHLB’s advocacy work and achieve policy outcomes.
We hold calls with our members on a regular basis to discuss issues around E-rate, Rural Health Care, Spectrumess, Broadband Deployment and Digital Opportunity. As a member, your organization has a seat at the SHLB table, which provides the following benefits and opportunities:
- Policy – Via our strong connections on Capitol Hill, SHLB connects broadband leaders with policymakers; we often work closely with Congress and federal agencies such as NTIA and the FCC, including developing recommendations with the help of our members, and when possible, we invite our members to comment. For specifics, check out our policy platform; a list of our most recent advocacy actions; and a list of our proudest impacts.
- Knowledge – SHLB is a key source of information for organizations across the country. On the monthly policy calls and corresponding listservs (we have six distinct groups, including the USF Congressional, RHC, and E-Rate), our team provides key updates, data-driven analysis, and direct insights from policy leaders.
- Convening – SHLB connects a diverse network of broadband leaders; on our biweekly member calls, which typically have over 100 members (a full list of whom can be found here), you’ll get to connect with a wide coalition. Through these relationships, you’ll be able to build your own relationships with members, as well as receive – and give! – peer-to-peer news about new digital opportunities and ways organizations are using spectrum to innovate.
Opportunities and Initiatives
As SHLB works to expand our membership and provide more opportunities for anchor members, we're instituting two new programs: A free trial program, and a referral program. To sign up for our free trial, see below:
Sign Up For Your Free Trial Here
Our referral program allows existing members to get a discount off their membership. If you refer a new member, your dues will be discounted by either: 50% of the new member’s yearly dues OR 10% of your yearly dues, whichever is lower. A table below to help you calculate this:
If you have a member to refer, please e-mail ethompson@shlb.org, and we'll get them (and you!) set up.
| Original Referring Member Dues | 20,000 | 3,500 | 1,000 |
| Newly Added Member Fee | 250 | 3,500 | 2,500 |
| Criteria Used for Discount | 50% of new dues | 10% of yearly dues | 10% of yearly dues |
| Updated Dues by Referring Member | 19,875 | 3,150 | 900 |
Hear From Our Members
“SHLB raises the visibility of anchor institutions' needs for high-capacity internet connections, and helps them obtain the funding needed to serve their communities."
“SHLB provides an excellent forum for broadband advocacy, networking, sharing best practices, and staying knowledgeable about emerging technology, trends, and regulatory and legislative activity.”
“Joining SHLB was a great decision for us. Participating in the organization is informative and enjoyable and we are all doing great work on our mission of getting broadband to everyone.”
“SHLB is the only organization I know of that cross-cuts the various typical organizational groupings and truly represents all CAIs on broadband issues.”
“SHLB keeps me informed and advocates on behalf of K-12. The digital divide is real and SHLB is a respected partners in helping solve this challenge so every student will one day have an equal opportunity to learn.”