Since its inception in 1993, the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) has evolved into a premier state-owned fiber optic backbone serving all 99 counties.
Over the past three decades, ICN has made advancements, transitioning from the early MPEG-2 video and ATM standards of the 90s to the cutting-edge 100Gb native IP core and 10Gb aggregation network. This cycle of enhancements is driven by a singular mission: providing the robust, 100% reliable connectivity required by Iowa’s critical infrastructure, including public safety (NG911), healthcare, and government services.
Learn about the evolution and impact of the Iowa Communications Network.
Timeline
List items for Network Timeline
Chronology of the Network by year.
2025
ICN started a partnership with Granite to deploy the EPIK cellular solution at the State Historical Building in March after a vendor outage disrupted connections.
ICN joined the Omaha IX Internet Exchange. This move allows ICN to connect directly with major cloud and content providers (like Google and AWS).
We continue the process of upgrading key aggregation sites across the state, replacing 1Gb connections with 10Gb equipment.
ICN completed a vital HVAC (cooling) upgrade at the Lucas State Office Building switch room. Properly sized, new cooling units replace aging systems, securing the State's critical network equipment and preventing overheating and service disruptions.
ICN completed a major upgrade to its Firewall platform. The upgrade included new firewall hardware, firewall segmentation, and enhanced security capabilities for Iowa’s state government agencies.
To better serve our users and protect government data, ICN decided to implement a firewall platform that segments each customer's network, moving away from the previous centralized State Firewall system.
2024
Upgrades to the heating and cooling system have been completed at one of the main ICN Network hubs.
ICN teams up with Zoom to offer its AI-powered collaboration platform.
ICN provided temporary services at several locations on the Capitol Complex, in Des Moines, to connect national media during the 2024 Iowa Caucuses.
2023
Design/installation of 911 FirstNet failover solution. Partnership with HSEMD to upgrade 70+ PSAPs completed.
Implemented phase 2 of State Firewall decentralization project.
Started a 10GB aggregation network upgrade, providing greater security and resiliency.
2022
Completed IP Core Network infrastructure upgrade for 100GB capacity with upgrade path to 200GB.
Added direct Cloud routes to Microsoft (Azure), Amazon (AWS), and Google Cloud and an additional 250 plus cloud providers.
Completed phase 1 of State Firewall decentralization.
2021
Partnered with FirstNet, built with AT&T, on behalf of the Iowa HSEMD to use FirstNet as the backup connection for Iowa-based Public Safety Answering Points providing 9-1-1 services to Iowans.
Added as a member of the Automated Transportation Council (ATC). The council is chaired by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Rural Broadband Connectivity: Partnered with Iowa State University and others on a pilot project involving wireless technology.
2020 Sunset the Video classroom service.
2019-2021 Deployed a healthcare network upgrade for IRHTP. This replaced legacy equipment for redundancy and increased bandwidth speeds.
2019 Completed VoIP platform migration. Consolidated 6 legacy Voice systems and moved over 8,000 phones for 168 customers.
2018-2021 Partnered with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) to implement a dedicated and secure network for Iowa’s Next Generation 911 (NG911).
2017 Added additional security services.
2016-2021 A network upgrade was deployed to provide 100GB capacity on the network backbone, upgradeable to 200GB.
2015 Our Broadband Information Center (BRIC) was established with Virtual Presence Monitoring. This system displays retime updates as needed.
2012 Iowa City CSD was the first school district in the state to subscribe to a full 1Gbps of bandwidth for Internet through the ICN.
2010-2013 ICN was awarded a $16.2 million federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant, along with ICN’s 30% matching funds, resulting in a $24 million upgrade to the statewide Network. The project enhanced the Network to a 10 GB backbone.
2007 The Iowa Rural Health Telecommunications Program (IRHTP) was awarded $9.95 million under the FCC Rural Health Care Pilot Program. IRHTP and ICN began the preparation and implementation of a secure, statewide, high-speed Healthcare Network.
2004 The last year that ICN received an operational support appropriation associated with subsidizing video rates. Fees for services make up the majority of the revenue received by the ICN.
2001
ICN's internet bandwidth jumped to 400 Mbps. This assured that authorized users would have fast, efficient, dependable, and affordable access to the Web.
ICN began its participation as a common carrier in the Universal Service Fund (USF) program.
2000
ICN began upgrading the backbone of the Network to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and MPEG-2 technologies.
Deployment of an ICN ring topology structure continued. The ring structure features two-way uninterrupted signal transmission, i.e., increased dependability.
1998 ICN began operating and maintaining the State Firewall for the Executive Branch.
1996 Capitol Complex Voice and Data services moved from Department of General Services (DGS) to ICN.
1995
The agency staff organization and structure was approved by the Governor.
The first Part III site, Battle Creek - Ida Grove High School became operational.
The Audubon Armory was connected to ICN.
1995-1999 Part lll construction commenced and was completed. Part lll consists of connections leased to the state by the private sector. It connects Part l and Part ll to schools, libraries, and area education agencies.
1994 ICN became a state agency. Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC) was established by the Legislature. Telemedicine and the federal government were given authorized user status.
1993 Part l & Part ll became operational at 104 sites.
1991 Part l & Part ll state-owned construction began. 104 endpoints were installed.
One fiber optic endpoint per county (99),
One endpoint at each of the state universities (3),
One endpoint at Iowa Public Television (IPTV), and
One endpoint on the State Capitol Complex.
1990 The Iowa Department of General Services issued a Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) to Kiewit Network Technologies for network construction.
1989 Legislation providing for the construction of a shared, statewide telecommunications network was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor.
1987 Iowa community colleges proposed the idea of a statewide microwave-based network to connect the community colleges. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued but proposals for a fiber optic network were received. The state tried to award the RFP for a fiber optic network but was unsuccessful.
Early 1980s Iowa community colleges were the first to experiment with educational networks for distance learning. Several community colleges planned and installed separate microwave-based telecommunications networks.
Statewide Impact
Learn about the ICN Impact
The State's fiber-optic backbone is our critical infrastructure, the link that delivers essential services, unites our communities, and guarantees safety for all Iowans.
