Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition “How Fiber Connected Community Anchor Institutions Contribute to a Local Economy”

SHLB Coalition Non-profit advocacy organization supporting public policies that promote open, affordable, high-capacity broadband for community anchor institutions. Members include anchor institutions, broadband providers, consulting firms, public interest organizations. Funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and membership dues.

E-Rate Reform 4-Prong Approach 1.Define Connectivity Standards (Benchmarks) -SETDA has set standards for 1,000 student schools, but most schools are well below 1,000 students – what standard should apply to smaller schools? -What about internal connections standards? -How to benchmark connectivity for libraries?

E-Rate Reform 4-Prong Approach 2.Inventory Capacity at School/Library Buildings. -Speed tests, National Broadband Map are questionable. -In the field study should be undertaken to measure last mile capacity to each building.

E-Rate Reform 4-Prong Approach 3.Estimate Costs of Serving Schools/Libraries up to the Benchmark. -BTOP Costs, E-rate cost data, provide raw material. -School/Library distance from nearest fiber can be charted. -Per-mile costs can be estimated based on aerial or buried. -Lowest Corresponding Price rule helps estimate recurring costs from similarly situated customers.

E-Rate Reform 4-Prong Approach 4.Provide Funding for BOTH up-front capital investment AND Monthly Recurring Support. -Funding for up-front investments in build-out for a limited period of time (3-5 years), similar to Rural Healthcare Connect Fund. -E-rate support for monthly recurring costs (E-rate “Classic”) should be increased, but funding requests may decline once build-out is completed.

E-rate Reform - TECF -Technology-neutral (including dark fiber) -Provider-neutral (all providers eligible), -Schools/libraries make local decisions, -TECF Fund should also fund one-time costs of internal connections (Wireless Access Points). -Recipients of TECF funding should build networks open to interconnection and shared use (with cost allocation) -Promotes wireless service to the community; -Promotes additional “jumping off points” to serve the residential community.

E-rate Build-out Supporters American Library Association NATOA Alliance for Excellent Education LEAD Commission Benton Foundation Kansas State Library Mass. Broadband Initiative Merit Network Montana State Library Education Superhighway