BEAD Map Challenge Process

Topics:

Broadband
Back to top

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]

Back to top

Challenge Process

Striving for accuracy in the Iowa Broadband Map!

Who is eligible to submit a challenge? 

NTIA rules allowed only internet service providers, non-profit organizations, and units of local or tribal government to submit challenges. Individuals in Iowa were allowed to participate by visiting the Challenge Portal 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 began outreach for the challenge process on April 24, 2024, including registration for the Challenge Portal. The Challenge Phase opened on May 15, 2024 and closed on June 13, 2024. There was 45 days for the Rebuttal Phase followed by 45 days for the Adjudication Phase.

Back to top

Resources

Challenge Results

Back to top

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.
Back to top