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On Aug. 15, Colorado submitted its application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for initial planning funds as part of the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. All states and territories submitted applications for initial planning funds as well. These initial planning funds will help the CBO prepare to deploy an estimated $400-700 million for broadband in Colorado. In Colorado, the BEAD funding is expected to be deployed through the Advance Colorado Broadband Program in 2024.
Read the NTIA Press Release
On Sept. 12, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened the bulk challenge process for the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric). The Fabric serves as the foundation for the FCC’s new broadband availability maps, which will be released in November.
When the new maps are released, the FCC will open a process for the public and other stakeholders to make challenges directly through the map interface and make bulk challenges to the availability data. The Fabric Bulk Challenge process is only for governmental entities, broadband service providers, and other entities that have obtained Fabric data. This process allows these entities to file challenges to multiple locations at once.
We highly encourage all entities that have access to the Fabric to review their territory for inaccuracies and submit bulk challenges. All bulk challenges must follow the Data Specifications. The FCC held a webinar on Sept. 7 to assist entities that intend to submit bulk challenges. View the recording here.
Please reach out to the CBO Data Team at oit_BroadbandData@state.co.us if you have questions or would like to discuss your challenge submission.
On Aug. 25, the Broadband Deployment Board (BDB) approved the cancellation of the Fall 2022 Grant Cycle (previously named the “Summer 2022 Grant Cycle”). The CBO will host public stakeholder meetings, BDB meetings and webinars to discuss and implement any potential changes to the grant cycle process. A statement from the board on the cancellation:
“The Board endeavors to deliver grant funding as quickly as possible while adhering to complex legal requirements. The recent changes in State law and federal regulations has created delay. With the influx in grant funding and grant awards, the Board believes it prudent to cancel the upcoming Summer 2022 Grant Cycle. Funding carries over from cycle-to-cycle, so this decision does not impact funding availability. The Board believes this will allow staff, the Board and the public to reconvene to assess Board processes, deliberate issues and prepare for a better upcoming cycle. With the next cycle already commencing in January, the Board notes that the cancellation will only result in a brief delay before grant awards recommence.”
The CBO values our community and industry partners and recognizes that it will take collaboration to achieve our goal of access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband for 99% of Colorado households by 2027 set forth in EO D 2022 023. Therefore, we are establishing a regular cadence of communication with our partners.
This fall, the CBO invites industry and community leaders to participate in Roundtable discussions. These meetings will occur bi-monthly and include Q&A sessions.
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Advance Industry Roundtable
Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Register Here
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Advance Community Roundtable
Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Register Here
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 From left: Aisha Rousseau (Mayor’s Office), Tracy Winchester (Mayor’s Office), David Nisivoccia (Denver Housing Authority), CO Attorney General Phil Weiser, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and Lt. Gov. Primavera
On Aug.18, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera met with Geoffrey Starks of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in Denver to increase awareness surrounding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
CBO staff attended to ensure that our efforts support the work of the FCC as we coordinate community outreach around ACP with other state agencies to reach eligible families.
Read the Press Release
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