Guam’s Broadband Challenge process officially launched at midnight Wednesday. The Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development (OIPD), under the Office of the Governor, announced that the online challenge portal is now open to registry.challenge.guam.gov.

The Challenge Portal allows participants to review the broadband coverage map and verify or challenge the accuracy of the reported broadband service availability. This collaborative effort is crucial to the fair and efficient distribution of critical federal funds under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program – an initiative dedicated to bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet access to every community in the states. -United. including states and territories.

“This protest process represents a significant step forward in our commitment to closing the digital divide on Guam,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “By working together, we can ensure that every resident has access to the essential connectivity needed for education, health care, economic opportunity and civic engagement.” We encourage everyone to participate and help shape a more connected and equitable future for our island.

The BEAD program provides unprecedented funding to bridge the digital divide, focusing on unserved and underserved communities and community anchor institutions. Public participation in the protest process is encouraged and essential to ensure that Guam’s broadband funding is targeted precisely where it is most needed, maximizing its impact and ensuring equitable access for all.

“It’s not just about correcting data; it’s about building a stronger, more connected Guam for everyone,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “We invite our residents and service providers to join us in this collaborative effort, ensuring that every person on this island benefits from our digital transformation.”

How to participate

To submit a challenge for your residence, visit the Challenge Portal website at registry.challenge.guam.gov.

Scroll down to find and click the “Submit a Public Challenge” button. You will be prompted to locate your address on the map. Once you find and click on your location, you will see if it is marked as served, unserved, or underserved. A red or blue dot means your area is classified as unserved or underserved, while a gray dot indicates it is classified as served. If you think this classification is incorrect, click “Next” to continue.

Next, select the type of challenge you want to submit. You will then have the opportunity to upload evidence to support your claim, as well as a description or any additional statements regarding your Internet service. When you’re ready, click “Next” and check the box to consent to sharing your submission for action. Following these steps will help us ensure accurate broadband service classifications for your area.

Challenge your speed by clicking “Take Test”. You will need to answer several questions about your service before performing a speed test. The page will provide additional instructions.

Served, not served or underserved

Under BEAD, unserved services only receive broadband access through unlicensed fixed wireless service, DSL service, or copper cable service, which are technologies that are no longer considered viable for the high speed. Unserved also means speeds below 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, which is too slow to be considered broadband under this program. Underserved means speeds above 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, but below 100 Mbps upload and 20 Mbps upload – which is too slow to be considered sufficient to fully participate in the digital economy . Served means a licensed fixed wireless or fiber optic service that meets or exceeds 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, meaning it meets BEAD’s standard for minimum accepted broadband speeds.

The map is limited to areas that the BEAD program can improve. Areas not shown on the map — particularly in southern Guam — benefit from internet development funded by other federal programs.

To participate and explore the new broadband map on the portal, visit registry.challenge.guam.gov. Email technical support is available through the Help Desk at [email protected].

The information was provided in a statement from the Office of the Governor of Guam.