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Responding to a Map Challenge
Map Challenge Responses Are Closed
The next data refresh will be announced in the coming months. Questions regarding map data submissions can be directed to broadband@cpa.texas.gov.
On March 30, 2023, the Broadband Development Office (BDO) provided a notice of the challenges to each broadband service provider that has indicated it provides broadband service to the designated area and posted the notice here on the BDO's website.
Broadband service providers or political subdivisions are encouraged to review the challenges received by BDO. If an entity is currently operating in an area being challenged and is impacted by one or more challenges, they can request more information on the challenge and respond to that challenge.
Affected parties have 45 days to submit a map challenge response.
1
To receive more information about a challenge displayed in the Map Challenges Received table, a broadband service provider or political subdivision impacted by a challenge should email Map.Challenges@cpa.texas.gov and provide the following information:
- Contact Information
- Name
- Organizational Title
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Organization Information
- Organization Name
- Type (Political Subdivision or Broadband Service Provider)
- Street Address
- City
- State
- ZIP Code
- Map Challenge ID or IDs for which you are requesting more information.
2
Review the requested map challenge information sent by BDO.
Send responses to the Map Challenges to Map.Challenges@cpa.texas.gov by the 45-day deadline.
Include data and information showing whether the challenged designated area(s) should or should not be reclassified
Broadband service providers or political subdivisions impacted by a challenge have until 45 days to complete their response to a Broadband Development Map Challenge.
The next data refresh will be announced in the coming months. Questions regarding map data submissions can be directed to broadband@cpa.texas.gov.
Map Challenge Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see challenges to the Texas Broadband Development Map?
You can visit Texas Map Challenges Received to view the challenges received by BDO to reclassify the Texas Broadband Development Map.
Can I download the information regarding the challenges to the Texas Broadband Development Map?
Yes. You can visit Texas Map Challenges Received to view and download information regarding challenges received by BDO to reclassify the Texas Broadband Development Map.
Who can submit a response to a challenge?
Only two entities can provide information showing whether a designated area should or should not be reclassified:
- An impacted political subdivision; or
- A broadband service provider that provides broadband service to the designated area being challenged.
Can I challenge a determination made by the BDO to reclassify an area?
No. A determination made by BDO to reclassify a designated area is not a contested case for purposes of Government Code Chapter 2001.
The program rules indicate that the BDO will provide notice of the petition to each broadband service provider that provides broadband service to the designated area challenged. When and how was that petition delivered?
Using contact information from mapping data submissions, BDO sent an email on March 30, 2023, to every broadband service provider that provides broadband service to any designated area that was challenged.
What type of data should I submit in response to a map challenge?
Response data showing whether the designated area should or should not be reclassified are at the discretion of the responder. Data should be intuitive and easy to understand for BDO staff making reclassification decisions.
My company provides broadband service to one or more designated areas being challenged. How do I respond?
Service providers impacted by one or more challenges to designated areas in which they are currently operating can request more information on the challenges and decide whether to respond to those challenges.
To receive more information about a challenge displayed in the Map Challenges Received table, a service provider impacted by a challenge should email Map.Challenges@cpa.texas.gov as soon as possible. All responses must be completed before the 45-day window closes.
If I submit a response, is the information I provide confidential or subject to disclosure under Chapter 552?
Mapping information that a broadband service provider reports to the Broadband Development Office, if not publicly available, is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552. All other information should be considered discoverable.
One or more designated areas being challenged are within the boundaries of my political subdivision. How do I respond?
Political subdivisions impacted by one or more challenges to designated areas in which they are currently operating can request more information on the challenges and decide whether to respond to those challenges.
To receive more information about a challenge displayed in the Map Challenges Received table, a political subdivision impacted by a challenge should email Map.Challenges@cpa.texas.gov as soon as possible. All responses must be completed before the 45-day window closes.
I missed the deadline to submit a mapping challenge. Can I submit one now?
No. Challenges to the first version of the Texas Broadband Development Map were due on or before Feb. 27, 2023.
However, updates to the map are posted every 6 months. Following the new map’s publication, broadband service providers and political subdivisions have 60 days to challenge the office to reclassify a designated area on the map as eligible or ineligible. BDO provides a process guide on how to submit challenges.
My company provides broadband service to one or more designated areas being challenged. What happens if I don’t provide a response to the map challenge?
Following the 45-day window to submit a response to a map challenge, the Broadband Development Office (BDO) program staff will decide on the validity of every challenge. If a challenge does not receive a response, BDO will only use the information within the challenge to determine whether to reclassify the designated area.
I submitted a response. What happens now?
The BDO program staff will determine whether to reclassify a designated area within 75 days from when notice of the challenges was sent.
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Definitions
Broadband Service
Broadband service is defined (Gov't Code § 490I.0101) as Internet service that delivers transmission speeds capable of providing a minimum download or upload threshold speed that are the greater of either:
- (A) a download speed of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) or faster; and an upload speed of three Mbps or faster; or
- (B) the upload or download threshold speeds for advanced telecommunications capability as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission
Designated Area
A census block, which is the smallest geographic area for which the U.S. Bureau of the Census collects and tabulates decennial census data.
Broadband Service Provider
An internet service provider engaged in business intended for profit including a telephone cooperative, an electric cooperative, or an electric utility, that offers last-mile or middle-mile broadband service for a fare, fee, rate, charge, or other consideration.
Political Subdivisions
Political subdivision means a county, municipality, school district, junior college district, other special district, or other subdivision of state government Local Gov't Code § 140.008(a)(2). The term does not include a special purpose district Gov't Code § 403.0241(b).