To enhance high-speed internet access, Napa County residents and business owners are being urged to participate in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Consumer Challenge. This initiative aims to ensure that federal funding for high-speed internet is allocated to areas that need it most.
The BEAD Grant Program, launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), has earmarked $2 billion to extend high-speed internet to underserved regions in California.
The data collected from this "challenge" will be used to update Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps, which will determine the eligibility of various areas and projects for BEAD funding.
By contributing to the accuracy of these broadband maps, participants can help Napa County secure BEAD funding, leading to improved internet services for the community, according to a Napa County press release on July 17.
Participating in the BEAD Consumer Challenge involves the following steps:
- Visit the CPUC’s BEAD Consumer Challenge Page.
- Read the User Guide to understand the submission process.
- Have your most recent internet or cable bill handy.
- Click “Submit Consumer Challenge” at the bottom of the page and provide information about your internet service.
For assistance with the survey, participants can email broadband@countyofnapa.org.
The deadline to take part in the challenge is August 3.
