BEAD Challenge Process

Posted By: Rieta Drinkwine For Good Connections,

The next step in the process of identifying internet needs across South Carolina for both residents and organizations is the BEAD Challenge Process. There will be a brief window of time starting in April when South Carolinians will have an opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map so it reflects the most up-to-date broadband access across the state. The updated map will determine which locations are eligible for funding through the BEAD program. 

 

To pre-register in order to submit challenges on behalf of your organization and/or community members, click here. If your organization does not have a federal UEI, you can reach out to the team at Clemson University’s SC Institute for Sustainability and Resilience for assistance with submitting challenges (primary contact for BEAD challenges is Rieta Drinkwine, rdrinkw@clemson.edu). 

 

More information about the BEAD Challenge process is available through the SC Broadband Office at https://ors.sc.gov/broadband/office/investments/state/bead, including a recent information workshop recording under “Presentation Materials.”

Broadband Insights: BEAD

CSV files and a web application are officially published to the ORS BEAD webpage as of 4/8/2024. This data will represent served, unserved, underserved, and community anchor institutions, which will be used as a basis for initiating the BEAD Challenge Process. 

 

The official launch of the Map Challenge will occur the following Monday, 4/15/2024. If you’re an ISP, Unit of Local or Tribal Government, or a non-profit, and you have not done so already, the SCBBO highly recommends registering now to participate in the BEAD Map Challenge and Rebuttal process. 

 

More information on the SCBBO BEAD program can be found here: 

https://ors.sc.gov/broadband/office/investments/state/bead