Area Challenge Module

Area Challenge: An optional rule in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s model challenge process. States are required to have such a challenge process – a way for consumers and providers to challenge state broadband map data – as part of their BEAD project implementation plans and can adopt the NTIA model process if they choose.

Under an area challenge, if six or more locations in a census block group allege the same technology from the same provider is not available or slower than state data indicates, the entire block group is designated as challenged.

Once the challengers provide sufficient evidence, the burden of proof is flipped onto the provider, who must prove that they provide the recorded service to the entire block group to prevent the challenge from being upheld.