BEAD Challenge Process

Registered Challengers may submit challenges via the portal until January 3, 2025 11:59pm ET. Supporting evidence is required. Get Started.  

The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program requires the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC) to allow stakeholders to challenge the accuracy of BEAD-eligible locations. Eligible locations consist of broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) that are unserved and underserved and are not subject to an enforceable commitment.

  • Unserved locations are defined as BSLs that lack access to Reliable Broadband Service at speeds of at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream and latency levels low enough to support real-time, interactive applications.
  • Underserved locations are defined as BSLs that lack access to Reliable Broadband Service at speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream and latency levels low enough to support real-time, interactive applications.
  • Enforceable commitments include any federal, state, or local commitment to deploy qualifying broadband.

The OBC will use the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map to create the initial list of unserved and underserved locations and then modify that data based on the process outlined in the OBC’s Approved Initial Proposal Volume 1.

To submit a challenge, you must represent a broadband service provider, local government, tribal government, or non-profit organization. Complete the form to Register.

STATE BROADBAND CHALLENGE PROCESS AND TIMELINE

Below are the four distinct phases and brief timeline of the challenge process.


Request a CostQuest License

Participating entities are encouraged to request a no-cost NTIA Tier D or Tier E License from CostQuest Associates to participate in the State Broadband Challenge Process. However, obtaining a CostQuest license is not required to participate in the challenge process. This license will permit licensees to view the BSL data on a more granular level and is an important tool for analyzing areas that may need to be challenged. The process to request a license may take up to two weeks. 

How to Request a License  

Review the NTIA Fabric Licensing FAQ to learn about the licensing process and determine the appropriate tier license for your organization.  

Entities that participate in any federal broadband programs, including entities with reporting requirement or entities that plan to participate in the BEAD sub-granting process, should request a Tier D License. Internet service providers, for example, should request a Tier D license. Licensees will be similar to those with an FCC Fabric Tier 2 license.  

Use this guide for requesting an NTIA Tier D to assist in completing the application process. 

Request Tier D License

If you have any questions, CostQuest can be reached directly by emailing IFAsupport@costquest.com.

Entities that will participate in the challenge process, but do not participate in federal broadband programs, should request Tier E license. Nonprofit organizations, for example, should request Tier E license. Licensees will be similar to those with an FCC Fabric Tier 4 license.  

Use this guide for requesting an NTIA Tier E to assist with completing the application process.  

Request Tier E License 

If you have any questions, CostQuest can be reached directly by emailing IFAsupport@costquest.com.

Broadband Availability File

OBC published the list of unserved and underserved broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) for the New Jersey Challenge Process. The BSLs are based on the May 10th, 2024, version of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection and version 4.0 of the FCC’s BSL Location Fabric.

Locations are identified by Location ID number. Location IDs from these lists can be used in conjunction with the Fabric to allow challengers to build an internal map for data analysis

A list of broadband serviceable locations that are currently identified as unserved or underserved can be accessed on the Broadband Availability File.

"The modifications mentioned in the Initial Proposal Volume 1 will be included in the broadband challenge map"

Submitted Challenges File

The Submitted Challenges File includes all broadband challenges submitted under the BEAD Challenge and Rebuttal phases. The file includes the following information:

  • The nonprofit, unit of local government, or provider making the challenge
  • The type of challenge (e.g., availability)
  • A summary of the challenge
  • A summary of any rebuttals to the challenge

For a full list of challenge type codes, please refer to Table 3 of the BEAD Challenge Process Policy Notice.