Broomfield-based Level 3 Communications said Thursday it will seek $15 million in federal stimulus money to help provide broadband access to 50 rural communities in six states.
The company’s decision to participate in the government’s $7.2 billion program is in contrast to other large network operators such as Denver-based Qwest, Verizon and AT&T, which have declined to apply.
Level 3 said it would use the money to build new access points along its fiber-optic network, or “middle mile” connections that essentially serve as on- ramps for Internet service providers to access as part of their build-out to rural communities.
The company will contribute $5 million of its own funds to the project, which could reach about 5 million homes.
“When you look at what the intention of the stimulus package is, which is to expand broadband and eliminate the concept of broadband as a luxury to the consumer . . . the only way to do that in a cost-effective manner is to leverage existing infrastructure,” said Jennifer Artley, vice president of wholesale markets for Level 3.
Artley said the company believes “open access as a platform is really critical to increasing competition and spurring economic development in these rural communities.”
The company wouldn’t disclose which states are included in the project because the application deadline was extended to Monday. Colorado, however, is not among them. The government is expected to announce recipients by the end of the year.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com
