BEAD Challenge Map Is Now Live

The federally funded Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program means $42.45 billion for planning, adoption programs, and deployment of infrastructure for expansion of high-speed internet service across the United States and its territories.

States are now planning program launches, and Tennessee officials expect to do so in early fall.

Through the BEAD challenge process, local governmental entities, broadband service providers, and nonprofit organizations may contest initial determinations their states or territories have made regarding the eligibility of locations, institutions, or entities for BEAD funds. These challenges may be based on perceptions that locations are unserved or underserved.

The Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development BEAD challenge map is now live online at tn.gov/broadband, and the formal challenge process began May 7, according to TNECD Broadband Program Director Taylre Beaty.

“In the meantime, we are confident that our strategy will get all households and businesses served with high-speed internet,” Beaty said. “TNECD is working hard to position our providers across the state with as many resources as possible to feel comfortable with applying for and implementing BEAD-funded projects.”

In the works are provider workshops through TNECD, along with webinars and office hours designed to help answer questions. The department will also be providing technical assistance for BEAD federal reporting and compliance processes.