SHLB Coalition

During our recent member call, SHLB board member Adam Geisler shared insights about how anchor institutions in Tribal lands are leveraging technology to close the digital divide. Adam is the President and COO of Tribal Ready, PBC, a Native-owned and—governed company dedicated to helping tribes secure access to broadband funding and resources. He discussed how each site utilizes technology to enhance education, safeguard patient information, and prepare students for college and beyond. 🏫 All Tribes Public Charter School: Technology integration, including coding instruction, has been pivotal here. During the pandemic, the school's robust infrastructure for at-home and virtual learning led to increased attendance and participation. Students engage in practical applications of technology through initiatives like smart agriculture, selling fruit and beef, and involvement with FFA. 🏥 Indian Health Council: Technology is leveraged for mental health services via telehealth, enhancing confidentiality and accessibility with internet subsidies. Despite robust safeguards, the clinic experienced a ransomware attack, highlighting the urgent need for cybersecurity. The council also addresses data sovereignty issues with RMS systems, reflecting the complexity of managing tribal data securely. 🖥️ Rincon Connected Learning Center: This center offers free access to high-speed internet, computers, and digital learning resources. It also provides educational tools and resources to help community members use technology effectively and safely. The center also assists parents in job searches and accessing telehealth resources, which is especially vital for those in remote areas. Discover more about SHLB’s staff visit to these locations by exploring our magazine: https://lnkd.in/ekBbrGUz Last but not least, a big shoutout to Calix and Tribal Ready, PBC for sponsoring this fantastic trip!

Join our experts on July 31 at 1 p.m. ET as they examine the FCC’s Order allowing schools and libraries to obtain E-rate funding for hotspot devices and services off-campus. This webinar will cover: ☑ A detailed interpretation of the Order ☑ The timeline for applications ☑ Strategies for schools and libraries to maximize the benefits of this crucial program The Order, supported by SHLB, aims to bring affordable wireless internet to low-income communities. It builds upon the now-expired Emergency Connectivity Fund but introduces new rules and a multi-year budget, making it more limited in scope. Come prepared with your questions and share your thoughts on this significant topic. Register now to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/eXQtMec9 Plus, read our press release on the July 18th Federal Communications Commission vote: https://lnkd.in/e7hT4xr4

SHLB Dismayed with 5th Circuit’s Outrageous USF Decision: https://lnkd.in/epMAGk7j

SHLB is thrilled to welcome Ready.net as a Gold Sponsor of #AnchorNets2024! The $100 discount closes in a few hours, secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/ejS9WVYV Your support and participation are invaluable as we work together to close the digital divide, one anchor institution at a time. Thank you, Ready.net!

Only a few hours left until the #AnchorNets2024 early bird discount is gone for good! Join us from October 2-4 in Crystal City, VA, and save $100 on your registration fee: https://lnkd.in/ejmuxXkJ Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge solutions, and help shape the future of anchor institution broadband. Register now before this discount expires at midnight tonight: https://lnkd.in/ejmuxXkJ And share this post with friends and colleagues 🗣

At SHLB’s recent member call, Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS, the Internet and Competitive Networks Association, unveiled an exciting initiative: the Artificial Intelligence Competition Center. The AI Center aligns with INCOMPAS’s mission and has four decades of experience driving innovation through competition and new technology. The AI Center’s Advisory Council comprises of tech experts: 🔹 Mignon Clyburn, Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission 🔹 Colin Crowell, Managing Director, The Blue Owl Group 🔹 Robin Dunson, Chief Legal Officer, Segra 🔹 Robert Hale, President and CEO, Granite Telecommunications 🔹 Milo Medin, Former Vice President, Access and Wireless Services, Google 🔹 Dr. Robert Robbins, President, University of Arizona 🔹 Michael Punke, Vice President for Global Public Policy, Amazon Web Services (AWS) 🔹 Joe Stradinger, Founder, EdgeTheory 🔹 Dr. Richard J. Harknett, Professor and Director of the School of Public and International Affairs, Chair of the Center of Cyber Strategy and Policy The Center’s focus extends beyond #technology — it’s about how AI can drive national #connectivity, innovation, and growth across all sectors of the economy, including healthcare, education, access to information, #telecommunications, and more. The AI Center aims to engage a wide range of sector-specific experts to develop policies and practices that will ensure a nationally connected, internationally competitive, and publicly trusted #AI sector. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ehQFn5AS

We’ve extended the early bird deadline to give you more time to decide, but this is the only extension—time is truly running out! Tomorrow is your last chance to secure your spot at the Annual SHLB Conference, #AnchorNets2024, with our early bird discount. Join us from October 2-4 in Crystal City, VA, and save $100 on your registration fee: https://lnkd.in/ejmuxXkJ Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge solutions, and help shape the future of anchor institution broadband. Register now before this discount expires at midnight tomorrow: https://lnkd.in/ejmuxXkJ And share this post with friends and colleagues ⬇

📢 Exciting News for Libraries and Schools! Yesterday, the FCC approved an order to make Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet services eligible for E-rate program support. This historic decision, which SHLB Coalition recommended over three years ago, will significantly boost connectivity for students, school staff, and library patrons. The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) created in 2021 provided vital internet access during the pandemic but expired in June 2024. Thankfully, the FCC has revived this initiative, ensuring ongoing off-campus support through the E-rate program. What's New? Schools and libraries can apply for E-rate funds to offset costs for Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet services. Parameters established to safeguard E-rate funds, including reimbursement caps, a three-year budget mechanism, and competitive bidding requirements. SHLB has long advocated for better internet access for students and library patrons. We led a coalition in 2021 to support remote learning and have been actively recommending improvements to the E-rate program. “Today we have a choice... to build a digital future that works for everyone,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel during the July 18 meeting. This step is crucial, especially with the lapse of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program and the expiration of the ECF. Read the Full Blog Post by Our Policy Counsel, Kristen Corra: https://lnkd.in/efz667mg Let’s keep moving forward to close the Homework Gap and the digital divide one anchor institution at a time!

Join our experts on July 31 at 1 p.m. ET as they examine the FCC’s Order allowing schools and libraries to obtain E-rate funding for hotspot devices and services off-campus. This webinar will cover: ☑ A detailed interpretation of the Order ☑ The timeline for applications ☑ Strategies for schools and libraries to maximize the benefits of this crucial program The Order, supported by SHLB, aims to bring affordable wireless internet to low-income communities. It builds upon the now-expired Emergency Connectivity Fund but introduces new rules and a multi-year budget, making it more limited in scope. Come prepared with your questions and share your thoughts on this significant topic. Register now to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/eXQtMec9 Plus, read our press release on the July 18th FCC vote: https://lnkd.in/e7hT4xr4

SHLB's Executive Director, John Windhausen Jr., caught up with Tracy Doaks, CEO of MCNC, one of the nation's most successful research and education networks, just before his presentation to the MCNC Advisory Committee in Raleigh, NC.  John provided an insightful summary of the Federal Communications Commission's E-rate changes, the BEAD program, and the prospects of Congress reforming the Universal Service Fund next year. Their collaboration highlighted SHLB’s commitment to closing the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.