The executive director of the Puerto Rico Broadband Program, Michelle M. Cabiya Zorrilla, announced the launch of the BEAD Challenge with the objective of locating areas where high-speed Internet is not available or less served, and ensuring that all community entities, as well as local and state government, have access regardless of their geographical location. The BEAD Challenge is a requirement of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. As Cabiya explained, BEAD is a fund that provides funding to eligible entities for projects and activities for the planning, implementation, mapping, equity and adoption of high speed internet in states and territories. BEAD, established by the Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act (IIJA), is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's “Internet for All” initiative. During the BEAD Challenge process, non-profit organizations, local and state governments and community anchor institutions (CAI) may participate. These entities will be able to report problems with connectivity and access to high speed internet. Participants may challenge availability, data limitations, technology, exclusively commercial service, mandatory service, non-mandatory service and planned service. Organizations eligible to participate that are not on the list can submit their participation through the same platform. Puerto Rico's BEAD Challenge Process is different from that of other states and territories because it has an existing commitment to bring high-speed internet to the home, through the Uniendo a Puerto Rico Program. These funds have been allocated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to support the restoration, expansion and updating of the internet after Hurricane Maria on the island with a commitment to bringing fiber to the home throughout Puerto Rico by 2027. To avoid duplication of funds, NTIA has determined that BEAD funds in Puerto Rico will not be used for direct-to-home Internet projects, they will be used for the construction of the underground duct system and other projects such as the development and training of the workforce in broadband, digital browsers and digital literacy workshops, accessible device programs and reuse; and other programs that will promote the adoption of high-speed Internet. “The BEAD Challenge is an opportunity to help us achieve a more resilient Puerto Rico. As a Program, we are focused on strengthening high-speed internet infrastructure to ensure digital equity for all citizens. One of our strategies is to prioritize connecting Community Anchor Institutions through key routes around the Island,” said Cabiya Zorrilla. Individuals or entities interested in learning more about how to participate in the BEAD Challenge should access the website www.smartisland.pr.gov/beadchallenge.