Rebuttal Phase of the State’s BEAD Challenge Process Now Open

By Ramón S. Hobdey-Sánchez, J.D. State Broadband Program Manager

The Idaho Office of Broadband (IOB) is excited to announce the opening of the next phase of the State’s BEAD Challenge Process. The Rebuttal Phase will begin Friday, July 19, 2024. Link Up Idaho has multiple resources and tools to assist stakeholders with navigating this process and phase.

Over the last several weeks, submitted challenges have been reviewed for completeness and compliance. By the end of next week, they will be uploaded for public review on the Challenge Dashboard within Idaho’s BEAD Challenge Portal.

All challenged entities will be formally notified and have 28-days to submit evidence for rebuttals. Challenges that do not directly challenge a provider are considered ‘open’ and can be rebutted by any Eligible Challenger. Registration as an Eligible Challenger is still available via the Challenge Portal.

The IOB strongly encourages stakeholders to explore the BEAD Challenge Dashboard and review the Challenge Process/Portal User Guide. The Challenge Process Timeline also includes scheduled open office hours during the Rebuttal Phase.

Please feel free to submit any comments or questions to broadbandcomments@commerce.idaho.gov.