The Utah Broadband Center (UBC), part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, is launching the Utah Broadband Availability Challenge Process to finalize identifying broadband serviceable locations in Utah without access to reliable high-speed internet infrastructure. These locations will be eligible for some of the approximately $317 million of federal funding allocated to Utah through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Eligible entities, including local and tribal governments, nonprofits, qualified education organizations, and internet service providers, can participate by verifying existing broadband service for households, businesses, and community anchor institutions and challenge locations reported incorrectly.
“Now is the time for all local communities and citizens without reliable high-speed internet infrastructure in their homes, businesses, or public buildings to verify these locations appear as “unserved” on the Broadband Availability Challenge map,” said Rebecca Dilg, UBC director. “This will be our final roadmap to ensure reliable internet reaches every Utahn.”
The broadband availability map, registration, and Challenge Process Portal are open for review by eligible entities here. Official challenges can be submitted beginning April 18, 2024. Individuals wishing to challenge their home or business speeds can also participate by submitting speed tests in the portal until the challenge closes on May 28, 2024. Completing a survey and taking three separate speed tests on different days are required for an eligible challenge to a provider’s advertised speed.
Internet service providers will have 40 days to respond to challenges made to their service. UBC will make the final determination of challenges before the state’s BEAD grant opens this fall. The BEAD grant aims to bring universal coverage to all households and businesses across the state. Additional information regarding BEAD and the state’s Broadband Availability Challenge Process can be found at ConnectingUtah.com.