With $196.5 million in BEAD funding at stake, New Hampshire has until August 14 to challenge the coverage maps drawn up by the FCC. The Commission has published its determination of wireless coverage availability, which may, or may not, match unserved or underserved areas identified by the state. As GovTech notes, the state is now tasked with pointing out corrections that will help ensure that the state achieves its 100 percent connectivity goals.
“It’s a very quick turnaround, but nevertheless it’s an important time for municipalities and nonprofits to help ensure broadband access in their communities,” said Henry Underwood, senior planner for the Southwest Region Planning Commission.
Individuals, institutions, and organizations are all encouraged to weigh in, as universal broadband access is crucial for all state residents, according to New Hampshire officials. In particular, the state aims to make sure that “community anchor institutions” like school, emergency services, and law enforcement are adequately connected. The FCC measures “served” are those that can connect to broadband at the federal criteria of 100/20 Mbps, according to GovTech.
“This challenge process is all about ensuring New Hampshire’s database of those important institutions and organizations is complete and translates directly into funding,” said Underwood. “It’s making sure the little dots on the map are capturing them.”
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