N.J. Broadband Office Opens BEAD Challenge Portal

New Jersey started its challenge process for NTIA’s broadband equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program, the state's Board of Public Utilities said Monday. The Office of Broadband Connectivity opened a portal where ISPs, nonprofits and local and tribal governments may challenge whether specific locations are unserved or underserved with high-speed internet, the board said. Eligible challengers must register on the portal before Nov. 4, which is the first day when challenges will be accepted. The broadband office will accept challenges for 30 days, followed by ISP rebuttals for another 30 days. After that, the OBC will have 30 days to make final determinations. Board President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said residents should participate by asking a nonprofit or local government to submit challenges for them.