(BPD) — The CNMI Broadband Policy & Development Office announces the successful completion of its Challenge Process, a critical step in the ongoing efforts to expand and enhance broadband access across the Northern Mariana Islands. The results of this process have been officially approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, marking a significant milestone in the CNMI’s broadband development planning journey.
What is the Challenge Process?
The Challenge Process, initiated by the CNMI BPD Office, was designed to identify and resolve any disputes regarding broadband-serviceable locations within the CNMI. This process ensured that all areas in need of broadband services were accurately mapped and that no discrepancies existed. The Challenge Process was hosted on the Pacific Research & Coastal Planning’s ArcGIS platform and was made accessible through the CNMI BPD’s website. The Challenge Phase was conducted from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, in strict adherence to NTIA guidelines. The BPD Office provided comprehensive resources, including a Challenge Process Overview PowerPoint, a Fact Sheet, and a list of all locations available to challenge, which included community anchor institutions such as schools, clinics, and libraries.
Outcome of the Challenge Process
Prior to the Challenge Process, all 11,065 Broadband Serviceable Locations were identified as unserved based on the National Broadband Availability Map Data. Following the successful completion of the BEAD Challenge Process, the final results showed that 10,783 locations are now eligible for BEAD funding. This includes 143 unserved locations, 10,640 underserved locations, and 282 served locations. The approved final list of BSL locations has been published on our BPD website.
NTIA Approval and Next Steps
On August 5, 2024, the NTIA officially approved the CNMI BPD Office’s Challenge Process results. This approval confirms the accuracy and reliability of the broadband-serviceable location data for over 11,000 locations within the CNMI, including more than 40 community anchor institutions.
With the Challenge Process successfully concluded and NTIA approval secured, the CNMI BPD Office will now proceed with the subgrantee process as part of the implementation phase of its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.
Public Access and Contact Information
The public is encouraged to review the Broadband Serviceable Location and Community Anchor Institutions lists, which are available on the BPD website at bpd.cnmi.gov. For any questions or concerns, individuals can reach out to the CNMI BPD Office via email at cnmi.bpd@gmail.com/.
