New Jersey Launches Portal for Broadband Data Challenges, Urges Public Participation
Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is taking a significant step towards ensuring accurate broadband availability data with the launch of its new challenge portal. This online platform, part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, allows residents and organizations to contest the official designation of areas as “unserved” or “underserved” by internet providers.
The portal, managed by the Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC), is open to internet service providers, local governments, non-profit organizations, and Tribal governments. These entities can submit challenges with supporting evidence to dispute specific locations’ current broadband availability status.
“As we seek to expand high-speed internet coverage and quality throughout the state, we must hear from residents throughout New Jersey,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy in a press release announcing the portal launch. “We encourage residents to participate by contacting a local government or nonprofit organization listed on the OBC website to submit a challenge on their behalf.”
This initiative stems from the BEAD program, a federal effort to expand broadband access across the United States. Accurate data on underserved areas is crucial for effectively allocating BEAD funding, which will be used to improve broadband infrastructure in New Jersey.
The challenge process is key to ensuring that the data used to guide broadband deployment is as accurate as possible. By allowing stakeholders to challenge the existing data, the NJBPU aims to create a more precise map of broadband needs across the state.
Residents who believe their area’s broadband service needs to be better characterized are encouraged to contact their local government or a participating non-profit to initiate a challenge. The OBC website has a list of eligible challengers.
Launching this challenge portal marks a crucial step in New Jersey’s efforts to close the digital divide and ensure equitable access to high-speed internet for all residents.
References:
[1] New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. (2024, October 21). Board of Public Utilities | New Jersey Launches the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process. https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/2024/approved/20241021.html
[2] New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity. BEAD Challenge Process. https://www.nj.gov/connect/grants/bead/challenge-process/
