SHLB’s Impact on Broadband Policy

Universal Service Fund SCOTUS Victory!

SHLB filed briefs in multiple appellate courts to defend the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. This work led to three favorable rulings — including a Supreme Court win in FCC v. Consumers’ Research. (2023–2025)

Read More:

• Blog: The Supreme Court Upholds the Universal Service Fund

• Press Release: SHLB Applauds SCOTUS Ruling to Uphold the Universal Service Fund

Rural Health Care Program

Through regular meetings with the FCC and USAC, SHLB helped improve program operations and speed up funding decisions for Rural Health Care applicants. (2019–2024)

Read More:

• Press Release: SHLB Secures FCC Extension for Rural Health Care Program Deadline

Cybersecurity

SHLB persuaded the FCC to launch a three-year pilot for schools and libraries to strengthen cybersecurity and clarify the funding process. (2021–2024)

Read More:

• Press Release: SHLB Commends FCC’s Vote on K-12 and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot

• Press Release: SHLB Supports FCC’s Vote on K-12 and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot

School Bus Wi-Fi

SHLB pushed for E-rate funding to cover school bus Wi-Fi, helping students stay connected and complete homework during their commutes. (2019–2023)

Read More:

• Press Release: SHLB Commends FCC for Supporting Wi-Fi on School Buses

Emergency Connectivity Fund & Hotspots

SHLB’s advocacy helped inspire Congress to create the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which connected over 8 million households to affordable Internet. (2021)

Read More:

• Press Release: Creating an Emergency Connectivity Fund to Outlast the Pandemic

• Press Release: SHLB and Over 80 Organizations Urge House to Reject Repeal of E-Rate Hotspot Program

• Press Release: SHLB, ALA, All4ed, Wireless Future, Common Sense Media Disappointed by Senate Vote to Block Hotspots

E-rate, ECF & RHC

During COVID, SHLB convinced the FCC to extend deadlines for E-rate, ECF, and RHC programs, giving schools, libraries, and healthcare providers more time to secure funding. (2021–2022)

E-rate Program

SHLB successfully opposed the creation of a federal E-rate portal that would have reduced local control without addressing waste, fraud, or abuse. (2023)

Pole Attachments

SHLB developed principles and filed FCC comments that led to an FCC order speeding up the resolution of pole attachment disputes. (2023)

Read More:

• SHLB's Pole Symposium Magazine

Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program

SHLB worked with Congress to ensure anchor institutions qualify for gigabit broadband under the BEAD program. (2021)

Read More:

• Press Release: SHLB & Benton Urge NTIA to Defer to States In Defining Anchors Under BEAD

Other Issues

SHLB backs the Affordable Connectivity Program, pushes to include anchor institutions on broadband maps, advocates for USF contribution reform, and promotes unlicensed and shared spectrum.