Frequently Asked Questions

The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is an independent state government agency. 

ICN administers a closed statewide fiber optic network. The network links all 99 of Iowa's counties. 

Customers choose the ICN because they want its telecommunications service, not because they have to.

To learn more about the ICN, go to our About Page.

The ICN provides services to:

• K-12 schools
• Higher Education
• Hospitals and Clinics
• State Government
• Federal Government
• National Guard Armories
• Public Safety Entities
• Libraries

ICN is not authorized to provide services to residential or private businesses.

ICN offers many services for its customers.

• ICN's Data Services include:
  • Internet
  • Ethernet
  • Primary and Secondary Domain Name Service
  • Secure Transport Connections to a Cloud/Content Provider
• For Security Services, ICN offers:
  • Managed Firewall
  • DDoS Mitigation
  • Security Consultations
• ICN's Voice Service offerings include:
  • Managed Voice
  • Voice Conferencing
  • Long Distance
• ICN's Professional Service options include:
  • Consultation
  • Colocation
  • Structured Cabling

Our support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call: Network Operations Center (NOC) via a toll-free number (800-572-3940) or 515-725-4400.

Email: ICNServiceDesk@iowa.gov

Current customers can also use our online Customer Portal. 

ICN is an independent executive branch agency within the State of Iowa government.

ICN is governed by a five-member commission, the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC).

The Governor appoints the ITTC Commissioners. Each serves a six-year term. Appointed Commission members are subject to approval by the Iowa Senate.

Visit our Commission Page for more information.

ICN became a state agency, and the ITTC was established in 1994 by the Iowa legislature.

To see a full timeline of events from the early 1980s for the statewide fiber optic network, go to our History page.

No. The ICN has not received a General Fund appropriation since 2004. 

The ICN reimbursed the State of Iowa for the Network's construction costs in full in March 2005. It receives equipment appropriations from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. This funding is for equipment upgrades and disaster recovery for the Capitol Complex and other authorized user sites. The ICN does not rely on General Fund allocations to fund its operations.

Unlike most state departments and agencies, the ICN operates with fee-based revenues rather than General Fund appropriations.

The Network consists of approximately 3,400 miles of owned fiber. Leased connections make up the balance of the network.

Part I: The initial buildout of the Network. This build-out provided fiber-optic connections to: 

• the three Iowa Regents universities
• 15 community colleges
• Iowa Public Television, and 
• the State Capitol Complex 

This part of the Network is owned by the State of Iowa.

Part II: The fiber build-out created a Network point of presence in the remaining 84 Iowa counties. 

These sections of the Network are also owned by the State of Iowa.

Part III: The connections to other authorized users throughout the State, such as libraries, area education agencies, etc.

The ICN legislative language was established in Iowa Code Chapter 8D. 

The ITTC is the ICN's governing body. Its purpose is to coordinate the communications services of the state of Iowa government in a unified effort to 

• manage, 
• develop, and 
• ensure these services are compatible with the fiber-optic network.

Chapter 751 of the Iowa Administrative Code provides detailed clarification for Iowa Code Chapter 8D.

For more information, go to our Legislative Code and Admin Rules Page.

The ICN main office is in the Grimes State Office Building on the State of Iowa Capitol Complex in Des Moines.

For more information, go to our Location page.

Yes, with conditions. 

ICN offers internet and broadband services to authorized customers in:

• Education, 
• Healthcare, 
• State Government,
• Federal Government,
• Public Safety, and 
• other designated entities.

ICN cannot endorse the products or services used. It can confirm that the company is or was a vendor and discuss the "procurement process" that placed them as the winning bid; however, no opinions can be provided on how the performance of that product or service met ICN's criteria unless there has been a specific incident that occurred, which would have required documentation.

ICN serves nearly 12,000 telephone, fax, and modem numbers. The ICN is the corporate telecommunications provider for the state government enterprise. It provides line-side telephone services on the Capitol Complex and other locations in the Des Moines Metro Area.

Call: Network Operations Center (NOC) immediately via this toll-free number (800-572-3940) or 515-725-4400.

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