BEAD Challenge Information

Cape Cod Internet Customers Encouraged to Test Speeds

How is your internet?

The FCC reports that 99.6% of Cape Cod households have “advanced telecommunications capability" with access to 100/20 Mbps broadband service. Residents who would like to challenge this can do so through the BEAD Challenge Process which runs from June 20 to July 20, 2024.

The Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process is an effort to gather data to ensure the stated connectivity to our region matches what is being delivered. This data collection effort will help support ongoing initiatives to strengthen and enhance the region’s broadband network.  

Cape Cod-based internet customers are asked to test their home internet speed to ensure that they are receiving the high-speed internet connection that they are paying for. Data collection during the summer months is important as seasonal population growth impacts internet speeds during a time that is critical for businesses, residents, and visitors. 

Speed test data can be submitted directly to the state at https://HowsYourInternet.org or through a regional portal developed by Open Cape. Through either portal, you must take speed tests on three different days and submit a copy of your internet bill to show the level of service you are paying for. 

Below are instructions for submitting speed data through the state's portal.

The BEAD program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and allocates $147 million to Massachusetts to connect all eligible locations. The Challenge Process is a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of internet availability data and maps for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) to deploy funding to expand broadband access across the state. Submission of speed test data can help provide a precise picture of broadband needs in Massachusetts.