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BEAD Challenge Process

Welcome to the BEAD Challenge Process landing page. Here, you will find the resources needed for the BEAD Challenge Process and links to access the BEAD Challenge Portal.

What is the BEAD Challenge Process?
The goal of the BEAD Challenge Process is to ensure the most accurate list of locations possible is used for BEAD funding allocation. New Hampshire has partnered with Ready.net to facilitate the BEAD Challenge Process through its Challenge Process Coordinator (portal). The State has accepted the NTIA Model Challenge Process with a DSL modification. DSL will not be considered reliable broadband internet for the purposes of BEAD.

New Hampshire’s BEAD Challenge Process is outlined in complete detail in its Initial Proposal Volume I.

Who are permissible challengers?
The only entities that are permitted to submit challenges are Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Units of Local or Tribal Governments, and non-profit organizations.

When can permissible challengers register?
Pre-registration is now open. We encourage you to register as soon as possible at register.connectingnh.com. A list of currently eligible unserved and unserved locations is posted under the Resources header below. Also, there are listings of served locations and Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs).

How can residents participate?
During the Challenge Phase, residents may submit public comments to the Resident Public Comment Portal at Submit Public Comment | NH. Units of Local or Tribal Governments or non-profit organizations will have access to these public comments and may submit challenges on behalf of residents.

Challenge Process Timeline
Challenge Phase – July 15, 2024 – August 14, 2024
Adjudication – August 15, 2024 – August 29, 2024
Rebuttal Phase – August 30, 2024 – September 29, 2024
Final Determinations – September 30, 2024 – October 30, 2024

What version of the FCC Broadband Map is being used?
Version 4 of the FCC Fabric will be used for the BEAD Challenge Process. BDC data has been pulled as of May 28, 2024 (data through December 31, 2023).

CostQuest License Links
We encourage all participants to obtain a free CostQuest License to have access to the FCC Fabric.

Internet Service Providers and Tribal Governments
NTIA Tier D License Request (costquest.com)

Units of Local Government and Non-Profits
NTIA Tier E License Request (costquest.com)

Webinars
July 9, 2024 - 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Internet Service Providers
Watch the Recording here.

July 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm - Units of Local and Tribal Governments and Non-Profits
Watch the Recording here.

Bead Challenge Process Presentation

Office Hours

July 18, 2024 at 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Register Here

July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Register Here

August 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm-1:00pm. Register Here

August 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm-1:00 pm.  Register Here

Office Hours FAQ

Resources
Challenge Process Resource Guide
Resident Public Comment Resource Guide
Preliminary Underserved Locations
Preliminary Unserved Locations
Preliminary Served Locations
Preliminary Community Anchor Institutions