Decommissions Legacy DMS500 Switch
The Iowa Communications Network (ICN), successfully migrated long-distance customers to a modern platform, decommissioning the legacy DMS500 switch. While many Iowans may not be aware, these massive switching systems are the reason long-distance calls through the years have not "dropped" when transitioning from a local network to a long-distance carrier.
Since early 2025, ICN has been working to retire the legacy system. This modernization effort simplifies our Network and provides a more reliable, future-ready foundation for Iowaβs critical communications.
Building on this foundation, ICNβs new public-private partnership with Aureon ensures the continued delivery of essential long-distance voice services to communities across Iowa. Now that customer migration has wrapped up in February 2026, the decommissioning stage is officially underway. Our facilities team is currently clearing out the equipment to make room for new service opportunities.
What is the DMS500?
For decades, the DMS500 handled long-distance calls, toll-free 800 services, and direct phone lines for state agencies and other customers. This equipment served Iowans, routing calls in fractions of a second using advanced SS7 signaling. This "super-switch" was a breakthrough in efficiency when first deployed, routing calls for state agencies and toll-free services in mere milliseconds. By combining multiple switching functions into a single robust platform, the DMS500 ensured that Iowans stayed connected across the State and the country for over 20 years.
Customers Benefit from Public-Private Partnership
ICN spent nearly a year planning this transition to ensure zero service interruptions. By creating a new partnership with Aureon, we migrated customers to a modern long-distance platform while coordinating directly with local telephone providers. This collaborative effort allowed for a seamless switchover that required no action from our customers.
Why This Matters: Better Service, Lower Costs
As technology and the industry shift toward cloud-based solutions, maintaining the legacy DMS500 system has become both cost-prohibitive and technically difficult.
By migrating, ICN has:
- Reduced Overhead: Lowered monthly operational costs, freeing up resources for critical infrastructure projects.
- Increased Efficiency: Eliminated the physical burden of older equipment that was difficult to power, cool, and repair.
- Future-Proofed the State: Solved the challenge of sourcing obsolete parts and specialized expertise for 20th-century hardware.
Continued Customer Support
We want to thank our customers for their continued trust. This project is a major step in our mission to move quickly, work efficiently, and provide the high-quality service that the State of Iowa and its taxpayers expect.
Should any of our long-distance voice customers have questions or experience service issues, contact our Network Operations Center at 800-572-3940 or contact us online.