Welcome to California's BEAD Challenge Page
The CPUC's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process enables stakeholders in California to provide feedback on the state's list of locations eligible for BEAD funding.* Based on the process approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), you can challenge data sourced from the National Broadband Map by submitting relevant and allowable evidence as outlined in the state’s BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I.
This page is your starting point for accessing the CPUC's Challenge Portal, Consumer Challenge website, and associated maps and user guides.
If you represent a local government, Tribal government, nonprofit, or broadband service provider, start here or select “Challengers” in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
If you are a member of the public who wants to submit evidence to provide feedback on broadband data for individual locations (i.e., residences, businesses, or community anchor institutions) on the Consumer Challenge Map, start here or select “Individuals” in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
Data Download
These files show the pre-Challenge Process classification (unserved, underserved, or served) of each Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL) in California by FCC Location ID. The files include pre-challenge modifications and deduplication of federal commitments.
*Please note: These CSV files may have record counts exceeding the viewable limits in Microsoft Excel and/or other applications.
Unserved
These BSLs reportedly have at least one of the following:
- No access to broadband service
- Speeds of less than 25/3 Mbps
- Latency greater than 100 milliseconds
These locations also are reported to lack enforceable commitments for deployment of service that will deliver speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps.
Underserved
These locations are BSLs that are shown to have at least one of the following:
- Speeds of less than 100/20 Mbps but greater than 25/3 Mbps
- Latency greater than 100 milliseconds
These locations are considered underserved based on the CPUC’s BEAD pre-challenge modifications (i.e., DSL modification and cellular fixed wireless modification), and are reported to lack enforceable commitments for deployment of service that will deliver speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps.
Served
These BSLs reportedly have access to Reliable Broadband Service greater than or equal to 100/20 Mbps and latency less than or equal to 100 milliseconds or have an enforceable commitment for the deployment of service that meets those standards.
*The map and data currently provided have undergone pre-challenge deduplication and have been updated to Version 4 of the Broadband Serviceable Locations Fabric, released on May 14, 2024 (showing National Broadband Map Availability Data as of December 31, 2023). The final map and data downloads have been released as of June 28, 2024.
Always Transparent
California is committed to transparency throughout each step of the BEAD Program. The Challenge Process is critical to ensuring that the national broadband maps used to determine eligibility for BEAD funds accurately reflect broadband access and availability across our state. Access the map, track changes, and make sure you are represented.
Need help?
If you have questions about the Challenge Portal or need technical assistance, please email cahelpdesk@ready.net.
For general questions about the BEAD Program in California, please email the CPUC BEAD team at BEAD@cpuc.ca.gov.
For Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our FAQ page.
