SHLB Announces Broadband Policy Priorities for 2022

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition published its 2022 Policy Roadmap, outlining the 10 policy priorities that shape its advocacy in 2022. In brief, the SHLB Coalition will focus on the following policy priorities in 2022: 

• Provide Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) the resources they need to advance digital equity.
• Continue to modernize the E-rate program and expand the Emergency Connectivity Fund.
• Ensure policymakers include CAIs in the state plans for new broadband infrastructure investment.
• Continue to strengthen and modernize the Rural Health Care program.
• Explore broadband mapping methodologies as they relate to CAIs.
• Increase licensed and unlicensed spectrum opportunities for CAIs.
• Streamline the processes for accessing utility poles and other rights-of-way assets.
• Support programs that leverage the expertise of research and education networks and higher education institutions to address the digital divide.
• Promote policies that support anchor-enabled broadband networks to connect surrounding homes.
• Reform the contributions mechanism for the Universal Service Fund (USF) and defend the constitutionality of USF.