The BEAD Challenge Process is vital to ensuring the state accurately represents location-level funding eligibility for the BEAD Program.

The BDO accepted service availability challenges from internet service providers (ISPs), units of local government and nonprofit organizations from Dec. 3 through Dec. 17, 2024. The submitted challenges are being reviewed to determine validity. ISPs and community anchor institutions affected by a challenge will have the opportunity to submit rebuttals from Jan. 10 through Jan. 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST. Challenge Portal registration will remain active until Jan. 24, 2025.

To ensure challengers are prepared, the BDO is hosting several webinars throughout the Texas Availability Challenge Process. The webinars will cover the process and inputs needed to successfully file challenges and rebuttals. Use the links below to view past webinar recordings or register for upcoming sessions:

• Oct. 30, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Nov. 13, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Dec. 4, 2024 – Webinar recording
• Jan. 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. CST – Register for Jan. 8 webinar

The BDO will also host weekly office hours every Thursday at 1 p.m. CST.

Additional support is available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, through the BEAD Challenge Process helpline at 855-TEX-BEAD (855-839-2323).

Potential challengers can also email our help desk with questions.

Visit the Challenge Process registration page to participate and access additional guidance materials. Pre-challenge location ID lists with service availability data files (zip) can be downloaded on the Register Now page.

States were required to submit a comprehensive two-volume Initial Proposal for the BEAD Program that detailed the steps they planned to take in pursuit of universal service. The BDO posted a draft of Texas’ Initial Proposal and invited feedback from the state’s residents and stakeholders. Following public comments and related revisions, the Initial Proposal was submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on Dec. 23, 2023. Volume I of the Initial Proposal was approved on April 11, 2024. Volume II was approved on Nov. 19, 2024.

• BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I Amended (PDF)
  • Updates include:
    • BEAD Challenge Process timeline.
    • Due date for Escalating Service Commitments.
    • Due date for Planned Service Commitments.
• Identified Community Anchor Institutions (XLSX)
• BEAD Initial Proposal Volume II (PDF)
  • Scoring Rubric (PDF)

Volume II of the BEAD Initial Proposal describes the selection process for subgrantees. This section includes important details about the selection criteria, how applications will be evaluated and the timeline for the process.

The BDO plans to start the subgrantee selection process in May 2025, pending NTIA’s approval of the Challenge Process.

Interested parties can prepare by requesting a CostQuest Tier D license.

States and territories planning to access funding through the BEAD Program were required to develop and submit a Five-Year Action Plan to NTIA outlining broadband objectives, goals and priorities for ensuring unserved and underserved locations gain access to reliable broadband. The plan serves as a needs assessment and informs how the BDO will develop a Texas-specific grant program with funding from the BEAD Program.

• Email us to request a copy of the BDO’s Five-Year Action Plan.