Affordable, high-speed, affordable and open broadband has become the critical “meta-infrastructure” of the 21st century. The U.S.
The SHLB Coalition advocates for policies and programs that enable anchor institutions to obtain and promote open, secure, high-quality broadband services to support connectivity and opportunity for all. The SHLB Coalition seeks to improve the quality of life of people across the United States by improving their access to broadband services through their community anchor institutions. Universal ac
cess to high-capacity broadband services can improve health care delivery, enhance educational achievement, promote energy efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution, promote economic growth and stimulate job creation. Unfortunately, many anchor institutions cannot obtain adequate broadband services today. Broadband services are often priced too high, have insufficient capacity, are closed to interconnection with other networks, or are simply not available. Department of Commerce, which published the nation’s first National Broadband Map in 2011, found that anchor institutions are “largely underserved”. The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition was created in 2009 in Washington, D.C. to help address the shortage of adequate broadband for anchor institutions and their communities across the country.[1] The SHLB Coalition is a broad-based organization of anchor institutions, commercial and non-profit broadband providers, foundations, public interest groups, and others that work together to develop and support policies to improve broadband connectivity for anchor institutions and their communities in all regions of the country – urban, suburban and especially rural. The SHLB Coalition is founded on the belief that, in a world of limited financial resources, deploying broadband networks to serve anchor institutions is an efficient and wise investment in the future. Deploying broadband to anchor institutions can improve broadband access to millions of people (low-income, elderly, migrants, etc.) who may not have broadband access. Anchor institutions can train people about broadband services and technologies, thereby stimulating broadband usage and demand. Furthermore, high-capacity “Middle Mile” broadband networks serving community anchor institutions can be used as “jumping off points” to serve surrounding residential and business consumers. Building high-capacity broadband to community anchor institutions serves many needs at relatively lower costs.
12/03/2025
The SHLB team is grateful to everyone who donated this . 💙
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $20K to and keep schools, libraries, and healthcare providers connected nationwide.
Thank you as well to everyone who supports us year-round through your time, expertise, and engagement. SHLB’s work is possible because of you, and we are truly grateful.
12/02/2025
It’s !
Today, every dollar helps connect a student to classwork, a patient to care, and a community to opportunity.
Help us raise $25K by tonight to — the program that keeps schools, libraries, and healthcare providers connected to high-speed internet.
We’re rallying to raise $25,000 to — the program that keeps students, library patrons, and patients connected to opportunity, education, and healthcare nationwide.
We’ll be sharing stories that show how broadband changes lives and how your support helps keep anchors strong.
Stay tuned, spread the word, and get ready to show your support for anchors everywhere.
Joseph Wender joined broadband leaders at Pacific NW Gigapop in Seattle to discuss the importance of preserving and modernizing the Universal Service Fund (USF) — a cornerstone for connectivity to schools, libraries, and health care providers nationwide.
Joey and Kristen Corra were also thrilled to reconnect with SHLB members across the region—many of whom they look forward to seeing again at next week, including:
Joey Wender visited Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 to hear firsthand how E-Rate continues to be a vital lifeline for connecting the K–12 schools they serve across Pennsylvania.
IU13’s team — Mike Williams, Dan Baker, Michael DeBakey and Roy Hoover — shared their dedication to improving network resiliency and expanding digital opportunity for students and educators alike. Their commitment to service and innovation is a model for how anchor institutions strengthen communities through connectivity.
Thank you to IU13 for the warm welcome and for your continued partnership in advancing supporting broadband in education.
10/22/2025
is just one week away!
Join broadband leaders, policymakers, and community anchors from across the country for three days of collaboration and real-world impact.
One of the many powerful conversations you’ll experience: Research & Education Networks Advancing Community Healthcare.
Medical-grade broadband is essential for modern healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. This session explores how R&E networks are expanding telehealth, strengthening hospitals and clinics, and building healthier, more connected communities.
📅 October 29–31 | Crystal City, VA
It’s not too late to register and be part of the movement to expand broadband opportunity nationwide.
As a leader in secure, automated networking — especially DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (DDI) across cloud, hybrid, and on-prem environments — Infoblox brings critical infrastructure expertise to the connectivity conversation.
We’re honored to have their partnership in advancing reliable, resilient networks and strengthening digital access at scale.
12/03/2025
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10/22/2025
10/21/2025
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