Michigan aims to scrub coverage overstatements from its BEAD map

The Michigan High Speed Internet Office kicked off its BEAD challenge process this week, and it’s doing everything in its power to scrub the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) map of locations where providers are overstating their coverage. The state is receiving a historic $1.56 billion BEAD funding allocation—the fourth highest in the nation. Starting March 26, it is accepting challenges to the FCC's broadband map for the state through its interactive state challenge portal until April 25. However, the state is aware of potential misrepresentations on its broadband map. Specifically, questions have arisen about Mercury Broadband’s fixed wireless access (FWA) coverage in 12 counties in Michigan. Mercury has claimed practically ubiquitous FWA coverage in those counties. Mercury made similar statements about its coverage in Kansas, which were left on the FCC map after the challenge process, leaving unserved or underserved areas ineligible for BEAD funding.