The Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) has announced the Missouri Broadband Availability Challenge Process is now open and accepting challenges until April 23. The challenge process will assist in the investment of $1.7 billion in funding provided by the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (B.E.A.D.) program.
“We’re committed to making the most of every investment in our state’s critical infrastructure, which includes broadband internet,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “Today, we have a historic opportunity to bring more quality connections to more Missourians than ever before. The Missouri Broadband Availability Challenge Process is a vital step in ensuring that resources for broadband expansion are used efficiently and effectively.”
The purpose of the challenge process is to finalize the eligibility of Missouri homes and businesses for funding through the B.E.A.D. program. It will allow Missourians and broadband stakeholders to provide evidence that the Missouri Broadband Availability Map does not accurately reflect the availability or quality of internet service at a given location. Through the challenge process, OBD will collect input important to achieving its goal of connecting all Missourians to quality, high-speed internet.
“We encourage all Missourians, including service providers, to help ensure the map is as accurate as possible before funding decisions are made,” said BJ Tanksley, OBD director. “This is a pivotal moment for broadband expansion. Public input will greatly help us in our ongoing work to connect all Missourians.”
Online resources for challenge participants include a challenge portal user guide, data downloads reflecting the status of locations, the approved B.E.A.D. Initial Proposal Volume 1, and several how-to guides. They may be found at ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development/challenge.
During the challenge process, providers whose service is challenged will have 30 days to file rebuttal evidence. Any nonprofit, local government or internet service provider interested in participating should register through the challenge portal. Providers reporting service in Missouri are encouraged to register so they will be notified of challenges and able to respond. Resubmission of challenges will only be accepted before April 23 and challenges rejected due to a lack of evidence or other reason after April 23 cannot be resubmitted. Challengers should consider submitting challenges as early as possible.
Details may be seen on the Missouri Broadband Availability Map at broadbandmap.mo.gov. Details on the challenge process, including helpful resources, are available at ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development/challenge.
The state of Missouri plans to use more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access, adoption and assistance statewide.
