WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration released proposed guidance for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program’s state challenge process.  

The program’s rules require that each state and territory include a BEAD “challenge process” in their Initial Proposal. In the challenge process a unit of local government, nonprofit organization, or Internet service provider may challenge whether a location or community anchor institution is eligible for BEAD funding, including whether a location has limited or no Internet service. 

The proposed guidance expands upon previous guidance to assist states and territories in the design and implementation of their BEAD challenge process. Additionally, the proposed guidance includes a model for how a state or territory may choose to meet all the requirements of a state challenge in the BEAD program’s rules.  

NTIA is requesting feedback on the proposed guidance. To submit a comment email BEAD@ntia.gov by midnight on May 5, 2023.