Monterey Bay Economic Partnership mobilizes to ensure fair distribution of $1.8B for California internet access

MONTEREY COUNTY — In the midst of a 30-day challenge period that is critically important to the allocation of federal broadband funds to close the digital divide, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is working to ensure that the region receives its share of broadband funding based on accurate data.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the final broadband data map earlier this month, setting the stage for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Challenge Phase, which runs from July 8 through Aug. 6. Those dates — and the actions that take place in the space between them — will help determine the allocation of more than $1.8 billion to improve internet access in California.

“How and where that funding gets distributed has huge consequences for the Monterey Bay region, where far too many residents continue to lack access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet,” according to MBEP in a news release. “Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is committed to providing support and resources to ensure that the region is accurately represented.”

While individuals may help identify any inaccuracies to the existing BEAD Challenge Process Map, only eligible challengers — local governments, Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations and internet service providers — can submit evidence.

“While high-speed broadband is a critical utility often taken for granted, there are also far too many areas in the Monterey Bay region where broadband service is nonexistent or scarcely available, where download speeds are inadequate for the basic needs of a technology-driven society or where existing service is simply unaffordable,” stated MBEP.

That lack of broadband infrastructure can present public safety issues, particularly in rural communities, and throughout the Monterey Bay region, disparities in reliable, affordable broadband create limitations to economic growth and full participation in a digital age where internet is a requisite for education, telehealth, research, connection and communication.

“The digital divide hinders progress and inclusivity and continues to exacerbate economic and educational inequalities,” said MBEP President and CEO Tahra Goraya. “MBEP is passionately committed to closing the digital divide and to supporting our region in advocating for areas that remain unserved or underserved.”

In addition, MBEP is working to support regional partners through this process. Its Broadband and Digital Equity Team is available to assist in reviewing maps, identifying discrepancies and submitting challenges. Stakeholders can contact Maure Gildea, MBEP Manager of Economic Development and Digital Equity, at 916-215-1854.

“Let’s work together to ensure 100% broadband coverage for our communities,” MBEP stated. 

As BEAD funding will prioritize first unserved, then underserved locations, the accuracy of the federal broadband map is critical. According to the Federal Communication Commission:

• Unserved locations are defined as Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL) that lack access to “Reliable Broadband Service” at speeds of at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream and at latency levels low enough to support real-time, interactive applications; and

• Underserved locations are defined as BSLs that lack access to “Reliable Broadband Service” at speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream and at latency levels low enough to support real-time, interactive applications.

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the BEAD Program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs in 2021 with the goal of expanding high-speed internet access through infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. It allocates $42.5 billion of federal funding to all 50 states. California was awarded $1.86 billion through BEAD allocations. 

The challenge phase is the first stage in a five-stage, 120-day process to complete broadband coverage maps.