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MIHI Bead Challenge
Internet Service Providers (ISP)
The BEAD Challenge Process is the way in which the Michigan High Speed Internet Office will determine the unserved, underserved, and served status of every home, business, and community anchor institution in the state. Learn more about the Challenge Process and how you can participate by reviewing the sections below.
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Challenge Process Overview
During the Challenge Process residents, non-profits and local and Tribal governments help MIHI to identify areas needing broadband service by submitting challenges (non-profits and governments) or supporting data gathering (residents). Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) like schools, libraries and healthcare facilities can also engage in the process by providing evidence of broadband needs.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) participate by challenging or defending challenges submitted by government agencies and non-profit organizations. All submitted challenges will be reviewed as they are received, and ISPs and CAIs will be notified of any challenges directed against them. ISPs and CAIs will have 30 days after receiving this notice to submit a rebuttal. MIHI’s Challenge Process will take place over 120 days.
- Challenge Process Begins - 3/25/2024
- Challenge Submission Phase Ends - 4/23/2024
- Rebuttal Period – Rebutters will have 30 days from notification of a challenge to submit a rebuttal
- Final Determination Phase ends and State Challenge Process is over - No later than 7/22/2024
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Challenge Process for ISPs
If you are a representative of an Internet Service Provider in Michigan, you can participate in the MIHI Challenge Process by:
- Submitting service challenges through the MIHI Portal
- Rebutting any inaccurate challenges that may be made against your service through the MIHI Portal
Review our Recent Webinar
To learn more about the MIHI Challenge Process and your role, view the webinar recording.
Challenge Process Resources
Challenge Process Flyer
Area and MDU Challenge FlyerChallenge Process Outcomes
MIHI will review the submitted evidence for both challenges and rebuttals. There are two outcomes from the evidence review. The challenger will be notified of each outcome, so the correct actions can be taken.
- Challenge/ Rebuttal is considered Valid - The evidence submitted is valid based on the allowable evidence guidance and supports the challenge or rebuttal.
- Challenge/Rebuttal is Rejected - The evidence submitted is not valid based on the allowable evidence guidance or is not legible. Rejected challenges or rebuttals can be resubmitted within the Challenge Submission period.
MIHI will use the information provided by the Challenger and Rebutter to make a final decision on the resolution of the challenge. Once the challenge has gone through the validation and rebuttal phases and the rebuttal period has closed, MIHI will have 60 days to determine the challenge as “Sustained” or “Rejected.” MIHI will publish the final list of eligible locations online once they have been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Rebuttal Process
Once challenges are submitted and determined valid by MIHI’s evaluators, the challenged entities have an opportunity to provide a rebuttal within 30 days. Non-profit Organizations may rebut the following challenges:
Community Anchor Institutions (CAI)
- Submit documentation that demonstrates the location is (or is not) a CAI, as defined in Initial Proposal Volume I.
- Submit documentation that demonstrates qualifying broadband service (1 Gbps/1Gbps, less than 100ms latency) is not (or is) available to a CAI.
Planned Service
- Submit documentation that demonstrates the provider is no longer able to meet the commitment to deploy qualifying broadband service (e.g., is no longer a going concern) or that the planned deployment does not meet the required technology or performance requirements.
Enforceable Commitment
- Submit documentation that demonstrates the provider has defaulted on their commitment or is otherwise unable to meet the commitment (e.g., is no longer a going concern).
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How to Use the MIHI Portal
How to Set up an Account
Each organization or agency must be registered in the MIHI Challenge Portal to submit a challenge or rebuttal. Set up an account by completing the following steps:
- Go to the MIHI Portal.
- Select “Sign In” at the top right corner of the home page.
- Select “Request a new account."
- Enter in the necessary information.
- Click “Request” to submit a request for an account.
- Check your inbox for your request approval email. If the request is rejected, update your request form and resubmit.
MIHI Portal Access Instructions
- Go to the MIHI Portal.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to Submit or Track a Challenge or Submit a Rebuttal.
If users require accessibility assistance with the MIHI BEAD Challenge Portal, please contact MIHI at Leo-MIHighSpeedInternet@Michigan.gov.