Challenge process runs April 15 – May 14 to help ensure the accuracy of broadband service maps



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May 7, 2024

*Last week for broadband challenges*

Challenge portal open through May 14 to help ensure accuracy of broadband service maps

There is one more week to submit a challenge through the Washington State Broadband Office Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) challenge portal [ [link removed] ].

“The challenge process is an opportunity for eligible challengers to increase the accuracy of our Broadband Service Location (BSL) Map,” said Aaron Wheeler, Washington State Broadband Office Director. “This is an essential step in our efforts to bring broadband internet to those across the state who haven’t had access to this critical service in the past. Only locations identified as unserved or underserved will be eligible for BEAD funding.”

The National Telecommunications Industry Association (NTIA) guidance document [ [link removed] ] requires that states complete the entire challenge process in 120 days. We have established the following timeline for Washington’s challenge process:

*Challenge process timeline*


* Step 1: Challenge process – April 15 to  *May 14, 2024*
* Step 2: Rebuttal phase – April 15 to June 23, 2024
* Step 3: Final determination – Aug. 3, 2024

We are committed to conducting a fair and transparent process, as detailed in our Initial Proposal Volume I [ [link removed] ].

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 Broadband Navigator [ [link removed] ] 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

* *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* [ [link removed] ]* again if your login is not already active.*


* *For the general public:* Members of the general public can submit evidence challenges and are *not required to register*.

Members of the public may submit speed test challenges [ [link removed] ] or availability challenges [ [link removed] ].

 

Go to portal [ [link removed] ]

 

Challenge Portal Support Documentation

* Challenge Fact Sheet for Local Governments and Community Leaders (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Challenge Process Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Challenge Portal User Guide (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* How to register for an account and use the map (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* How to submit a challenge (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* How to submit a Community Anchor Institution (CAI) challenge (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* How to take a speed test (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Speed Test Video Demonstration (YouTube) [ [link removed] ]
* How to report availability evidence (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Challenge type and evidence matrix (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* ISP Rebuttal Evidence Matrix (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* :How to capture evidence screenshots:
* Using Microsoft Windows [ [link removed] ]
* Using an Apple iPhone [ [link removed] ]
* Using an Android Phone [ [link removed] ]

* Utilizing M-Lab for Speed Test Rebuttals (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
* Utilizing M-Lab for Speed Test Rebuttals (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

Social Media Tools

We created social media tools so our partners can share the challenge process opportunity with others through their various communications channels. Please share these tools with your partners so they can use them until the challenge submission deadline on May 14. 


* Get tools [ [link removed] ]

Training webinars

* View webinar descriptions and recording links [ [link removed] ] (PDF)

________________________________________________________________________



*About the **Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)*

The BEAD program [ [link removed] ] 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  [ [link removed] ]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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