Broadband Map Challenge Process

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Iowa will receive $415 million to deploy affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service and broadband infrastructure. This program is known as the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

An important milestone is approaching with Iowa’s mapping “Challenge Process” set to begin on May 15, 2024. The challenge process gives Iowans an opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map and helps to determine which locations are eligible for funding.

The challenge process gives Iowans 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. 

Only internet service providers, non-profit organizations, and units of local or tribal government may submit challenges. Individuals in Iowa can participate by visiting https://broadband.iowa.gov and following the instructions to submit evidence, or by coordinating with registered local governments or non-profits to submit a challenge. The Challenge Phase will close on June 13th. Questions about the process should be directed to broadband@iowa.gov.