Each year, the HealthConnect Networks team attends the SHLB AnchorNETS Conference in Crystal City, Virginia. Hosted by the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, this year’s event took place from October 29-31, 2025, and brought together partners working with Universal Service Fund (USF) programs to discuss how to continue strengthening connectivity for community anchor institutions (schools, libraries, healthcare providers) nationwide.
The AnchorNETS Conference is one of the few national events dedicated to focusing on the way broadband funding and policy decisions affect the organizations that serve our communities every day. By participating in the conference, HealthConnect Networks stays informed about program developments that directly impact our customers, including discussions on the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF), a program that provides subsidies covering up to 65% of broadband and network costs to eligible healthcare providers.
What Is the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition?
The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is a nonprofit organization that advocates for affordable broadband for community anchor institutions. These institutions (schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities) play an essential role in connecting people to critical services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The SHLB Coalition works to ensure that broadband policy and funding programs, including those supported by the Universal Service Fund (USF) such as the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF), are designed to meet the evolving connectivity needs of anchor institutions. HealthConnect Networks has been a member of the SHLB Coalition for more than a decade and actively works with the organization to advocate for solutions that expand access to reliable, affordable internet access.
What is AnchorNETS?
AnchorNETS is the annual conference hosted by the SHLB Coalition. The event brings together broadband leaders, policymakers, and organizations working with USF programs to discuss funding, policy, and technology solutions that support anchor institutions across the country.
Each year’s conference highlights new developments within USF programs like the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF), along with broader conversations about broadband access, affordability, and sustainability.
For HealthConnect Networks, AnchorNETS is an opportunity to connect with federal and state broadband leaders, share insights from our work with healthcare providers, and bring back the latest information on program developments.
Why HealthConnect Networks Attends
Participating in the SHLB AnchorNETS conference allows HealthConnect Networks to stay closely connected to the people and policies shaping the future of connectivity. By attending, we are able to:
- Stay informed about funding and policy updates that impact the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and other broadband programs.
- Bring insights back to our customers so they can make informed decisions about network planning and subsidy opportunities in the coming year.
- Collaborate with other organizations working in the space to strengthen connectivity for healthcare institutions.
- Advocate for healthcare providers to ensure their needs are represented in national broadband discussions.
Our participation helps ensure that the healthcare organizations we serve have access to the most current information and resources available as they navigate the HCF program.
How this Benefits You
Healthcare organizations benefit from our attendance because it allows us to provide timely guidance on subsidy opportunities and broadband planning.
When HealthConnect Networks participates in events like the SHLB AnchorNETS Conference, our customers benefit directly. The insights we gain from policy discussions and program updates help us anticipate changes that could affect subsidy opportunities and network planning.
This means our team can provide healthcare organizations with the most current information, proactive guidance, and continued advocacy to help them secure funding through the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and maintain reliable, cost-effective connectivity.
Our Commitment
At HealthConnect Networks, our commitment to healthcare connectivity goes beyond program management. By engaging in national conversations through organizations like the SHLB Coalition, we ensure that the voices of healthcare providers are represented in discussions that shape broadband policy and funding.
“Participating in events like AnchorNETS helps us stay ahead of funding and policy changes that directly impact our customers,” said Jeff Rogers, Vice President of Finance and Operations. “It’s an important part of how we ensure the organizations we work with can continue providing essential healthcare services.”
Want to learn more about this year’s SHLB AnchorNETS conference? Our team is happy to share insights from the sessions and what they mean for healthcare providers. Contact us today to set up a meeting.
