Texas BEAD Challenge: Registration Open to Address Broadband Access in Underserved Areas

HOUSTON, TX – The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), in collaboration with the Broadband Development Office (BDO), announces the Texas BEAD Challenge Period, offering communities and organizations across Texas the opportunity to secure broadband funding by ensuring accurate representation on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map. Registration for the challenge is open now through November 26, 2024.

The Texas BEAD Challenge, scheduled from December 3 to December 17, 2024, allows preregistered participants to submit challenges to correct any inaccuracies in the current FCC National Broadband Map—ensuring that eligible areas have a chance to access critical funding. Areas not shown as eligible on the FCC map will be ineligible for funding unless successfully challenged.

Key Dates:

• Primary Eligibility List Release: November 26, 2024
• Challenge Period: December 3–17, 2024
• Final Eligibility List: To be released after the FCC approves the challenge following the challenge period.
• Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Expected to be released in Spring 2025.

Preregistration is required to participate in the challenge process. Organizations and communities are encouraged to review the current FCC National Broadband Map and complete preregistration to secure eligibility.

For general inquiries, contact Darryl Briscoe at [email protected]. For more detailed and technical questions, visit the Texas Broadband Development Office website.