Iowa BEAD broadband map challenge closes June 13th

Iowans have just a few more days to submit challenges to the state's broadband map that will be used to determine eligibility for grant funds from BEAD. 

The Department of Management’s Division of Information Technology (DOM DoIT) is seeking feedback to the broadband map from eligible challengers including nonprofits, internet service providers, and local and tribal governments. Iowa residents may also submit feedback and evidence regarding the broadband map. This information may then be submitted by eligible challengers on their behalf. 

Eligible challengers need to register for a Challenge Navigator account in order to submit and rebut challenges. Iowa residents do not need to register to submit evidence. Internet service providers are encouraged to register, even if they do not intend to challenge, in order to receive updates on challenges in their service area.

The BEAD challenge window opened on May 15th. After the challenge window closes, reubuttals to the challenges will be accepted for 45 days, during which time the state will adjudicate the challenges and issue rulings.

​In order to help Iowans prepare for the Map Challenge window here are some useful links and resources. 

• Challenge Navigator: https://broadband.iowa.gov 
• DOM DoIT Map Challenge Webpage: https://dom.iowa.gov/bead-map-challenge-process 
• DOM DoIT BEAD Webpage: https://dom.iowa.gov/broadband/broadband-grants/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program 

If anyone has questions about the Map Challenge process, they are encouraged to reach out to the DOM DoIT broadband team at: [email protected].