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icn.iowa.gov

July 2024

News & Updates

In Times of Crisis, the ICN Supports Customers & Iowans

During difficult times, ICN has played a crucial role in supporting our customers.   Read about recent examples highlighting the importance of the fiber optic network across the State. Greenfield Tornado Flooding Lumen’s Water Pipe Break Capitol Complex Elevator Circuits Des Moines Tornado Siren LMR Communications

Relocating Two Equipment Sites on the Network

There are many different situations that can cause an ICN site to move. One common factor is the teamwork that goes into each project. These projects take time to plan, coordinate, and execute. We are proud of the employees, customers, and vendors involved that see these projects from start to finish.

Learn about two recent sites moves.

New Multipurpose Facility

Indian Hills Community College

A Site For Sale
Sac City Middle School Move

Keeping Your Equipment Cool During the Summer Heat

When July rolls around, we know that the summer heat is upon us. Having proper sensors and back-ups in place keep your equipment running at safe temperatures.   Did you know that ICN supports over 1,500 sites with HVAC components, which can be monitored remotely with environmental alarms and heat sensors? Our sensors allow us to monitor heat and moisture issues at many locations on the Network. In addition, we have alarms tagged, and if anything changes in the environment it notifies the staff in the Network Operations Center (NOC). This is one way we keep our sites safe from the summer heat.

E-Rate News for K-12 Education & Library Customers

FCC Establishes E-Rate Cybersecurity Pilot Program

The FCC released a Report and Order June 11 (FCC 24-63) establishing the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, a three-year program that will provide up to $200 million in Universal Service Fund (USF) support to participating eligible schools and libraries to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment.

FCC Approves Rules to Support Wi-Fi Hotspots

FCC Approves Final Rules to Support Wi-Fi Hotspots Through E-Rate Program

Internet2 News

Informational Webinars to Learn About the Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit

Join the Toward Gigabit Libraries (TGL) team as they debut the newly updated TGL toolkit.   Gain insights into the TGL Toolkit's new features, best practices, and strategies to maximize its benefits for your library's technology infrastructure.   Registration is required and space is limited. Secure your spot today!   Aug 21, 2024 (3-4 PM ET)  Nov 18, 2024 (3-4 PM ET)

About The Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit

The TGL toolkit is a powerful and free tool for libraries to learn about and improve their current broadband infrastructure and internal information technology (IT) environment.

The Network Minute

Every month we will highlight a network benefit to help Iowans gain a better understanding of the advantages offered by the statewide fiber optic Network.

As a telecommunications carrier, our responsibility is ensuring that the Network is highly available when delivering service to our users. Our users require an ‘always on’ connection.   Our Network demonstrates 99.999% reliability. This means there can be no more than five (5) minutes total downtime per year related to the core network. This is the highest level of service possible within the industry.

Highlights from Social Media

Broadcasting the Fireworks for Iowans

We worked with Iowa Public Radio to present the captivating music of the
Des Moines Symphony to listeners throughout Iowa for Yankee Doodle Pops.

ITAG Conference

ICN CIO Ryan Mulhall covered a variety of topics including how the ICN will provide Managed Firewall Service to
three county PSAPs thanks to a grant opportunity made possible through FEMA and U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.

News from the Industries We Serve

Iowa hospitals provided over $1.2 billion in community benefits, employed 137,841 in 2023 An IHA study revealed the profound impact of Iowa hospitals in 2023. IHA has launched a public dashboard to query and interact with the Community Benefit and Economic Impact data. The dashboard provides a specific look at the economic impact of Iowa’s hospitals and a statewide view of the total community benefit and the number of people served through community benefit programs. Source: Iowa Hospital Association

FirstNet Authority offers workshop to determine your operational capabilities   As a federal agency serving the public safety community, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) works with public safety agencies to evaluate your communications capabilities. They offer an Operational Capabilities Workshop to help determine what technologies you have and identify any gaps in incident response. Source: FirstNet.gov

Iowa State and OPN Architects team up for 3D-printed installation at Rudd Public Library The collaboration merges ISU’s research and 3D-printing facilities with OPN’s digital tools and vision to create an outdoor seating space to be installed this summer at the new Rudd Public Library, which replaces a building that was destroyed by a tornado in December 2021. Source: Iowa State University News

Iowa mobile clinic ready to roll Central Iowa VA welcomed a new virtual mobile clinic with an open house on June 14 in the parking lot at the Des Moines VA. Employees and visitors had a chance to get a look inside the clinic and learn more about its operations. Source: VA News

Latest Broadband & Security News

Summer Reading: The education sector struggles with evolving cyberthreats, K-12 Dive

New Report Examines Top Issues Around Research Data Storage in Higher Ed, Internet2

FCC K-12 Cybersecurity Pilot Program: What You Need to Know, K12 SIX

K–12 Leaders Find Technology Helps Speed Physical Security Responses for All, EdTech

What’s new: the latest Zoom releases you don’t want to miss, Zoom

Starting Strong: Tips for a Successful Funding Year 2025 Cycle, Funds for Learning

‘A staple of organized crime’: Cyberattacks rising, The Gazette

How CISA is supporting school cyberdefense, K-12 Drive

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