Connecting Iowa soldiers with their Families at Home
In 2007, ICN and Freedom Calls connected Iowa families with active-duty personnel serving in Iraq. The reunions were provided at no cost to the family or solider. One of the many video sites located throughout the State hosted video reunions, which gave families the opportunity to reconnect, catch up on life events, and even commemorate special occasions.
Dick Bartlett worked closely with ICN staff and Captain Andy Ryan of the Iowa National Guard, deployed in Iraq, to bring the program to Iowans through the ICN. Andy, also an ICN employee, had the chance to participate in an Operation Hometown Link video conference with his family and said the experience was incredible.
Read about Operation Hometown Link.
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A Long History of Common Carrier Status
Since 2001, the ICN has participated in the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) program for E-rate and Rural Health Care. However, few may remember how our Common Carrier Status was granted and the meaning behind it.
An FCC ruling handed down in December 2000 granted the ICN common carrier status, qualifying us to be a USF provider for eligible authorized users. As a result, eligible schools and libraries that receive telecommunications services from the ICN could receive a discount for those services. Discount rates range from 20-90 percent depending on the economics and location of the school or library.
Over the years, ICN has saved Iowa's schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers over $130 million.
Be sure to read the history: March/April 2001, Fiber Optic Lines. ⬇️
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