Last week, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) held their annual AnchorNets conference in Washington, DC. Funds For Learning has been a proud partner of SHLB for many years, and we were honored to sponsor AnchorNets in SHLB’s 15th year. The conference agenda was packed with workshops, sessions, and plenary talks all centered around ensuring that our nation’s anchor institutions have access to affordable broadband. My highlights from this year’s conference include:
Expanding My Horizons: There were so many informative sessions at the conference, it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite moment. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and former Commissioner Mignon Clyburn’s fireside chat session was particularly engaging, as was an opening plenary session centered on women in telecom. The FCC shared some interesting data analysis projects using broadband data, such as overlaying access to broadband with health data, particularly as it pertains to parenting. Another presenter referred to access to the internet as a “natural resource,” which I thought was a unique – and apt – description.
The Power of Connection: USAC attended the AnchorNets conference again this year, and participated in an informative listening session addressing new opportunities and challenges in the E-rate program. There was also a “meet and greet” event with USAC staff in attendance, and it was fantastic to get to chat with USAC representatives in person after having virtual conversations for many years. We are encouraged by the uptick in USAC’s outreach efforts and hope to see them at next year’s AnchorNets!
Looking Toward the Future: We heard at AnchorNets that “advocacy is rarely a straight line,” and on the final day of the conference a panel of broadband legal experts dissected the numerous lower- and Supreme Court cases related to the E-rate program and Universal Service Fund. While it is tempting to be dismayed at the current state of challenges to the USF, it is assuring to know that SHLB and the power of its membership is monitoring, advocating, and working hard to ensure that critical broadband funding programs remain available to those who need them the most.
AnchorNets 2025 will be held October 29-31 in Washington, DC, and we are already looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and furthering the important work of ensuring affordable broadband to anchor institutions across the country!
