The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC) has launched the New Jersey Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) challenge process portal. This initiative allows internet service providers, local governments, non-profit organizations, and Tribal governments to contest whether a location is unserved or underserved in terms of internet availability.
"As we seek to expand high-speed internet coverage and quality throughout the state, it is imperative we hear from residents throughout New Jersey. We encourage residents to participate in the process by contacting a local government or nonprofit organization listed on the OBC website to submit a challenge on their behalf," stated NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.
The BEAD program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $263.7 million to New Jersey through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The funds aim to improve access to affordable, high-speed internet in communities lacking adequate service.
Locations considered unserved have no internet or limited access under 25/3 Mbps, while underserved locations have access below 100/20 Mbps. These areas are eligible for inclusion in New Jersey’s broadband infrastructure plan.
The NJBPU OBC utilized data from the Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Map to identify initial unserved and underserved locations. Eligible challengers must register by November 3, 2024. The portal will accept challenges starting November 4 for 30 days before entering a rebuttal phase where providers can dispute claims with evidence.
Challenges need supporting evidence like location details and reported service data such as availability and latency. Registration details are available at nj.gov/connect.
A Public Outreach Meeting hosted by NJBPU Office of Broadband Connectivity and NTIA is scheduled for October 31, 2024, providing further information about the challenge process.
For more information about these initiatives and related agencies visit www.nj.gov/connect for OBC or www.nj.gov/bpu for NJBPU.
