LONGMONT - RidgeviewTel LLC is designing an open access network to provide Northern and Eastern Colorado with broadband service.

The Longmont-based broadband communications company will help provide Internet access to residents and businesses in rural areas of those regions. The open access network should help attract numerous providers, which should increase competition and help lower costs, according to the company.

The roughly 22,000-square-mile project is expected to cost more than $30 million. RidgeviewTel plans to apply for government funding later this year to help pay for the project.

Congresswoman Betsy Markey, who represents much of the area receiving the infrastructure, helped push for the broadband accessibility.

"She understands the need to get this network built as well as the sense of urgency and issue of affordability," Vince Jordan, RidgeviewTel's chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Those residents and businesses need the same level of communications we have here in the urban corridor and together we are working hard to make that a reality."