Prepare for the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process


Submitted by FrancisL
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One last chance to decide which locations are eligible for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program

The Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program requires the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) to allow stakeholders to challenge the accuracy of BEAD-eligible locations. These are unserved and underserved locations in Colorado. The CBO will use the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map to create a list of unserved and underserved locations and then modify that data based on the process outlined in the CBO’s draft Initial Proposal Volume 1. The CBO will publish a list and map of the BEAD-eligible locations and house them in a newly created portal to manage the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process.

 

The Advance-BEAD Challenge Process begins in January. Preparing for the challenge process can take time so we encourage participants to start preparing now. 

 

Who can participate?

Only the following parties are allowed to submit challenges per the NTIA:

  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Units of local and tribal governments
  • Broadband service providers

 

Steps to prepare

1. Review Colorado’s Initial Proposal Volume 1

Initial Proposal Volume 1 outlines the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process. If your organization plans to submit challenges or expects to receive challenges requiring rebuttal, please carefully review the process (p. 14) and evidence requirements (p.16). 

 

2. Attend the webinar

We will host an informational webinar on Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. Join us to learn about how to participate in the process. Watch the recording of the Dec. 12 webinar for an overview of the challenge process and how you can prepare to participate.

 

3. Request a free CostQuest License

To fully participate in the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process, we request that you acquire a National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Fabric License from CostQuest Associates prior to the challenge window. This will ensure we can share data during the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process.

 

The NTIA Fabric License (Tier D or Tier E) differs from the FCC Fabric License (Tier 2 or Tier 4). Visit the NTIA Fabric Licensing FAQ to learn more. Please use the following resources to request the appropriate license for your organization.

 

The two license tiers available for the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process are:

  1. Tier D: For entities that participate in any federal broadband programs. Licensees will be similar to those with an FCC Fabric Tier 2 license. Please follow the guide for requesting a TIER D License.
  2. Tier E: For entities that will challenge “Pass Through Entity” coverage maps (i.e. the CBO). Licensees will be similar to those with an FCC Fabric Tier 4 license. Please follow the guide for requesting a TIER E License.

 

If you have questions about the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process or anything else related to the Advance Colorado Broadband grant program, email Advance_CBO@state.co.us. 

 

Important Dates 

  • Dec. 12 - Advance-BEAD Challenge Process Webinar @ 11 a.m.
  • Dec. 15 - Portal Website Launches; Registration opens for Portal access; Webinar recording and draft guidance documentation available
  • Jan. 3 - Mar. 13 - Office Hours will be held weekly throughout the Advance-BEAD Challenge and Rebuttal Phases:
  • Every other week on Wednesday at 1 p.m. starting Jan 3 
  • Every other week on Tuesday at 11 a.m. starting Jan 9
  • Jan. 8 - Publication of Eligible Locations, Portal Access opens for Registered Users
  • Jan. 10 - Feb. 9 - Advance-BEAD Challenge Window
  • Mar. 15 - Rebuttal Phase concludes
  • Apr. 16 - Final Determination Phase concludes
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