Pennsylvania Broadband Authority Releases BEAD Challenge

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has released the details of the BEAD Challenge process. Please visit the BEAD Challenge webpage for additional details to include registering for the BEAD Challenge portal, review the public map that identifies those areas deemed unserved, underserved, and statewide Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs). You can also watch the recording of the BEAD Challenge webinar that was held on March 29, 2024 and download the PowerPoint presentation used during the webinar.

The PBDA would like to remind eligible entities interested in submitting bulk challenges to consider requesting a license from CostQuest Associates. Tier D licenses are available here. Tier E licenses are available here. While a license is not required to participate and access the BEAD Challenge portal, it will help to simplify the submission of bulk challenges.

The timeline for the BEAD Challenge process is broken down into 3, 30-day windows which are as follows:

  1. Challenge Submission Period: Eligible entities will be able to submit challenge for 30 days. (April 24 – May 23)
  2. Rebuttal of Challenges: Entities that have been challenged will have 30 days to respond (May 24 – June 22)
  3. Final Determinations: The PBDA will decided if challenges and rebuttals are valid or not within 30 days (June 23 – July 22)

As a reminder, the PBDA will be holding three Office Hour Sessions, please click on each below to obtain additional details and to register.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions to PABroadbandAuthority@pa.gov.