Are Individual Broadband Map Challenges on a Different Timeline from Bulk Challenges?

The Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) have recommended filing dates for bulk challenges to the National Broadband Map, which is updated twice yearly. But stakeholders hadn’t seen similar guidance from either agency about individual challenges. An FCC spokesperson said that individual challenges could be addressed more quickly than bulk challenges – at least when it comes to availability challenges. Bulk challenges can only be filed by states, service providers, and certain other entities that can include multiple challenges in a single filing. An individual challenge is filed through the interactive National Broadband Map by clicking on a specific location and entering certain details. Regarding the timing of availability challenges from individuals, the spokesperson noted that after a preliminary review by commission staff, fixed availability challenges are sent to providers, usually within only a few days. Providers then have 60 days to either concede the challenge (in which case the provider’s availability at challenged locations will be removed from the map) or to provide evidence to dispute the challenge.