Mich. Proposes Changes to NTIA's Model Challenge Process

Michigan could take a broader view of underserved locations as it looks to distribute money from NTIA’s broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program. The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office posted the first volume of its draft initial proposal Thursday. The state plans to adopt NTIA’s model challenge process with some changes, including treating as underserved all DSL locations and places considered served on the national map where speed tests show service “materially below 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream,” the document said. Also, Michigan plans to treat as underserved multiple dwelling units with at least 20 units identified served on the national map “that are located in Census tracts that have high broadband availability but high rates of households reporting no internet subscription,” it said. It will also consider underserved those locations where fixed wireless is the only technology satisfying served requirements, the draft said. Comments are due Oct. 31. Also, the state broadband office said it seeks early feedback by Oct. 13 on the subgrant process it will describe in the upcoming volume two of its BEAD initial proposal.