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MIHI BEAD Challenge

MIHI BEAD Challenge

Residents 

Michigan has been awarded $1.559 billion to ensure that every home, business, and community anchor institution in our state has access to high-speed internet.  The BEAD State Challenge Process is the way we will determine which locations are currently “unserved,” which are “underserved,” and which are “served.”  It is critical that every location in our state is classified correctly so that funding can be used in the places that need it. You can help by participating in the State Challenge Process.

  • Challenge Process Overview

    During the BEAD State Challenge Process, residents, and Eligible Challengers (nonprofit organizations, local governments, Tribal governments, and internet service providers) can help MIHI identify locations that are eligible to be connected to the internet through the BEAD program by submitting challenges (Eligible Challengers) or supporting data gathering (residents). Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) like schools, libraries healthcare facilities and other organizations that help support their community can also engage in the process by providing evidence of broadband needs.

    Internet Service Providers (ISPs) participate both by submitting challenges where they have evidence that the State Challenge Map needs to be updated and by responding to challenges that are submitted for locations that they serve. All submitted challenges will be reviewed as they are received.  ISPs and CAIs will have 30 days after receiving they are notified of challenges to their service (for ISPs) or status (for CAIs) to submit a rebuttal. MIHI’s Challenge Process will take place over 120 days.

    Timeline

    • 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

  • Challenge Process for Residents

    As a resident of Michigan, you can provide data for the State Challenge Process by:

    • Letting us know if your home or business is shown as having service from an internet service provider who can’t connect you.
    • Providing evidence that your service isn’t as fast as it’s supposed to be.

    There are two ways you can provide your data:

    • A portal developed by Merit Network that includes a downloadable tool to make taking speed tests easier
    • An interactive map developed by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office

    Challenge Process Resources
    Understanding the BEAD Challenge Process
     How to Report Internet Service Issues
    How to Verify and Report Internet Speed Issues

  • How to Use the MIHI Portal

    Service availability and speed test challenges from individuals may be submitted through the MIHI portal.

    MIHI Portal Access Instructions

    1. Go to the MIHI Portal.
    2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to Check Service Availability in Your Area or Conduct a Speed Test.

    If users require accessibility assistance with the MIHI BEAD Challenge Portal, please contact MIHI at Leo-MIHighSpeedInternet@Michigan.gov.