DELAYED: Challenge portal opening?
Washington's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) Challenge Portal opening is delayed
The Washington State Broadband Office is delaying the opening of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program challenge portal to ensure it operates correctly. We will send another notice with an opening date when a technical problem is resolved.
Why the delay?
Part of the registration process requires the challenge portal to send a confirmation email to someone registering to participate. Due to a technical problem with the system, some individuals had trouble receiving these messages.
We decided the best course of action is to delay the portal opening to ensure everyone can register and participate in the state challenge process. The portal had been scheduled to open today before the delay.
How does this affect the 30-day challenge period?
When the portal opens, the timeline for the 30-day challenge period will begin. We are committed to conducting a fair and transparent process, as detailed in the Initial Proposal Volume I.
Washington?s BEAD Challenge Process allows eligible entities to dispute the level of internet service reported on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map.
What can be challenged?
You can challenge the FCC map information about the following:
- Availability
- Speed
- Latency
- Data Cap
- Business Service Only
- Is/is not part of an Enforceable Commitment
- Planned Service
- Location is/is not a Community Anchor Institution (CAI)
Who is eligible to enter a challenge?
- Local governments
- Non-profit organizations
- Tribal governments
- Internet service providers (ISPs)
All users, including the general public, may use the tool to view the status of broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) throughout the state. Additionally, the general public can submit speed tests and availability information through the challenge portal throughout the challenge process.
Next steps
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For eligible challengers:
Eligible challengers in this state challenge process (listed above) are internet service providers, non-profits, local governments and tribal governments.
IMPORTANT: If you are the responsible party participating in a challenge on behalf of an eligible challenger, please request to register again if your login is not already active.
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For the general public:
Members of the general public can submit evidence challenges once the portal opens and are not required to register.
Members of the public may submit speed test challenges or availability challenges.
Supporting information
Our Challenge Process webpage includes all of the necessary challenge process information, including:
Broadband Navigator Challenge Portal documents
Upcoming training webinars
BEAD Challenge Process Training Module 2: Rebuttal This second in the series of challenge process webinars will review some of the challenge submissions, help you understand how the process is going, and then focus on the rebuttal phase. We will discuss how to dispute a challenge and examine any open rebuttals. There will also be time for Q&A.
Miss a training?
View webinar descriptions and video links (PDF)
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About the?Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program?(BEAD)
The BEAD program is working to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, tribal nations, communities, internet providers and other stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase high-speed internet adoption. The federal program provides over $42 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide. Washington will receive more than $1.2 billion in funding.
Please continue to monitor Washington?s BEAD Challenge Process website for the most up-to-date information on the BEAD challenge process. You can also subscribe to email updates on the same webpage.
Questions?
Please email any questions to [email protected]
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