BEAD Map Challenge Process

Background

The State of Iowa received an allocation of $415,331,313 to implement the BEAD Program. 

The BEAD Program rules require Iowa to prioritize funds in this order: 

1. Connect unserved locations (available service is less than 25/3 mbps)
2. Connect underserved locations (available service is at least 25/3 mbps but less than 100/20 mbps)
3. Connect Community Anchor Institutions to gigabit symmetrical service (1,000/1,000 mbps)

[Challenge Process One Pager]

Challenge Process

Striving for accuracy in the Iowa Broadband Map!

What is the challenge process?  

The challenge process gives Iowans an opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map so it reflects the most up-to-date broadband access across the state. The updated map will determine which locations are eligible for funding through the BEAD program. 

Who is eligible to submit a challenge? 

NTIA rules allow only internet service providers, non-profit organizations, and units of local or tribal government to submit challenges. Individuals in Iowa can participate by visiting https://broadband.iowa.gov  and following the instructions to submit evidence, or by coordinating with registered local governments or non-profits to submit a challenge. 

When is the challenge process happening? 

Iowa will begin outreach for the challenge process on April 24th including registration for the Challenge Portal. The Challenge Phase will open on May 15th and close on June 13th. There will be 45 days for the Rebuttal Phase followed by 45 days for the Adjudication Phase.

Get involved!

If you are an internet service provider, non-profit, or unit of local or tribal government:

• Register: Registration for service providers, nonprofits and units of local government is required to participate in the challenge process. Individual citizens / residents DO NOT register for an account!

   *** Individual citizens / residents DO NOT register for an account! ***

• View the instructional materials in the Resources section below and reach out to broadband@iowa.gov with any questions.

If you are a resident / citizen or business owner:

• If you are a resident / citizen or business owner:

• Submit evidence to challenge the speed or availability of internet service at your address: https://broadband.iowa.gov
  • The portal will prompt you to take speed tests or submit other information in order for an eligible challenger to challenge on your behalf. 
    • Eligible challengers include internet service providers, non-profit organizations, and units of local or tribal government.
  • View the instructional materials in the Resources section below and reach out to broadband@iowa.gov with any questions.

Resources

For resident or business owner:

Do Not register for an account!

1. How to submit evidence for residents: Instructions for How to Submit Evidence.
2. Video: How to submit evidence for residents: Coming Soon

For internet service providers, local and tribal governments, and non-profit organizations:

1. How to create an account: 
   1. Challenge Instructions
2. How to submit a challenge:
   1. Instructions to submit a challenge
   2. Video: Coming Soon
3. How to submit an area challenge: 
   1. Instructions to submit an area challenge
   2. Video: Coming Soon
4. How to rebut a challenge:
   1. Instructions on how to rebut a challenge
   2. Video: Coming Soon
5. Iowa Broadband Navigator™ User Guide
6. How to access Pre-Challenge Map Data
   1. Instructions for Pre-Challenge Map Data

Pre-Challenge Map Data File

The FCC has licensing requirements for accessing the Location Fabric Data. The FCC Fabric Data contains a unique location identifier, address and location coordinates as well as additional information about the location. In order to use Iowa’s BEAD Map Challenge Data outside of the challenge portal you will need to request access to the Fabric data through the NTIA Internet for All (IFA) program. The NTIA-IFA program has made an agreement with CostQuest to allow entities to request access to this data for free through a Tier D or E licensing, if you do not already qualify, for challenge purposes. Cost Quest License FAQ: NTIA Licensing FAQ v4.pdf (ntia-public.s3.amazonaws.com)

DOM DoIT will make available an Eligibility File, which will contain the location ID but no other identifying information on the location (address/lat/long/etc). This will need to be merged with the FCC’s broadband fabric data in order to see the “whole picture”. 

1. How to obtain a Cost Quest License: https://www.internetforall.gov/costquest-licensing 
2. BEAD Pre-challenge Eligibility file 
3. BEAD Pre-challenge Eligibility File by County

Challenge Phase Timeline

• Challenge Portal Registration: Begins April 24 (only available to internet service providers, local and tribal governments, and non-profit organizations)
• Challenge Portal Preview: April 24 - May 14.  Interested parties can access the Map Challenge Portal and review location data.
• Challenge Window: May 15 - June 13.  The official map challenge window opens on May 15th and closes on June 13th at 5:00 P.M. CST.
• Rebuttal Window: Begins June 14. Internet Service Providers can submit rebuttals to challenges beginning June 14th. The Rebuttal Window is available for 45 days after notification of a challenge.
• Adjudication Window: Begins June 14. DOM-DoIT will issue final rulings within 45 days of a rebuttal.

The Map Challenge process is your opportunity to provide the most up-to-date information regarding broadband services at your home, business or community!

BEAD Program Planning Documents

• Iowa’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume 1, which provides a description of Iowa’s proposed approach to the Challenge Process (Approved by NTIA).
• Iowa’s BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume 2, which further details Iowa’s proposed BEAD Grant Program (yet to be approved by NTIA).
• Iowa’s Five Year Action Plan, which establishes Iowa’s broadband goals and priorities and serves as a comprehensive needs assessment informing the Initial Proposal.