4/15/24 – BEAD State Challenge Process

You can help identify locations across the state that are eligible for high-speed internet infrastructure expansion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Challenges will be accepted March 25 through April 30 through an interactive State Challenge Portal. That portal is now open for eligible participants to submit challenges on whether their home, business or institution is accurately represented as being served or not. Local units of government, Tribal governments, non-profit organizations and internet service providers are eligible challengers and will need to register for an account to participate in the State Challenge Process. Individual Michiganders do not need an account but can still provide information about service issues they may be experiencing with getting high-speed internet at their location or with their existing service.

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office will have “office hours” during the times listed below. These virtual meetings are to provide support and answer questions regarding Michigan’s BEAD State Challenge Process.

• Tuesday, April 16^th 12:30-2:30
• Thursday, April 18^th 12:30-2:30
• Monday, April 22^nd 12:30-2:30
• Thursday, April 25^th 12:30-2:30
• Monday, April 29^th 12:30-2:30

WMSRDC Broadband Support

Broadband has been a noted priority for many years in the WMSRDC five-county region. The COVID-19 pandemic forced this issue to the forefront, highlighting a nearly universal need to improve broadband availability and quality.

To help address this rapidly evolving issue, WMSRDC has stepped up to support local governments in this space through facilitated information sharing, coordination of efforts, and to serve as a central point of contact in the region.

Please leave a message if you have any broadband questions concerning the counties of Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo or Oceana. If we don’t have an answer, we’ll work to connect you with someone who does!