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News & Updates
Customer Spotlight
An Internet Upgrade to View Galaxies Far, Far Away
Connectivity for real time processing
ICN recently upgraded Internet service to Iowa’s radio antenna site for the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) in North Liberty. This site is 1 of 10 observing stations that make up the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Long Baseline Array (NSF VLBA). As a ‘super eye’ for astronomers, these stations across the United States have the mission of viewing galaxies and supermassive black holes.
The bandwidth increase at North Liberty was needed since all stations are moving to real-time processing of data. The site is currently testing real time data processing with 1Gb of bandwidth.
Read more on our website.
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Allamakee students learn about cybersecurity from ICN
Earlier this month, cybersecurity students at Allamakee High School began to learn from a lineup of industry professionals coordinated by the ICN on the topics of technology, coding, cybersecurity, and careers.
This opportunity enables Kelli Olson, the Curriculum Director of Allamakee, to offer her entire cybersecurity class the chance to engage with industry professionals, which is similar to ICN's SYBAC program.
Read about the opportunity on our website.
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A Closer Look: Ryan Mulhall
Interview By Lisa Rossi, Des Moines Business Record
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The Des Moines Business Record caught up with our Executive Director Ryan Mulhall to learn more about him and his philosophy for leading the agency that administers Iowa’s statewide fiber optic telecommunications network.
Take a moment to read about his leadership approach and learn about the ICN. Read the full interview online.
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Welcome to the ICN
Connor Kuehl is stepping in as our new Director of Facilities, bringing along a rich background from the US Army Reserve and expertise in IT Network Management.
Connor oversees our Facilities, Outside Plant, Technical Assistance Center (TAC) teams.
We are glad to have him on our ICN team.
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Outreach News
Peer to Career, Ottumwa Job Corps
What Have Our Network Cable Trainees Been Hearing About?
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Owner of RHT Technologies, Ron Tischer, talked about what he looks for in new employees, emphasizing the importance of having an open mind, a willingness to learn, and being comfortable with heights. He also described the types of clients he collaborates with, including small businesses, churches, schools, and healthcare groups.
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Scott Golberg with Fiberutilities Group explored how Fiber Network Services (FNS) and the ICN work together to support Iowans. He highlighted their comprehensive inside plant and outside plant training to help the technicians deliver the highest quality of services. He also showed the tools that technicians use and what to expect in this career path.
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Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council
What Have Our SYBAC Students Been Hearing About?
Exploring Technology
Scott Pappan, ICN's CTO, discussed the statewide network's critical infrastructure and daily technology applications. He shared insights on ICN's cybersecurity technologies, types of AI used in various sectors, and the future job landscape, emphasizing that AI will both replace certain roles and create new opportunities.
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Learning about Traffic Solutions
The Iowa Department of Transportation offered insightful perspectives on automated vehicles and traffic flow. As a drone pilot, Matt Miller showcased impressive aerial footage and images of road construction sites and projects he has been involved with. He discussed future initiatives that incorporate AI, traffic management, and the integration of self-driving technology, highlighting their implications for civil engineering and road planning.
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What Sets ICN Apart from Other Broadband Providers
K-12 Education Updates
E-Rate Notice
Funding Year 2025, Form 471 Application Filing Window Opened January 15.
The E-Rate application filing window opened on January 15 and will close on March 26, 2025. The E-Rate section of USAC's website provides resources for new applicants or applicants continuing to participate in the program.
➡️ Internet2 Update:
Signup for Free Interactive Webinars - Presidential Primary Sources Project (PPSP)
Attention teachers & curriculum planners: The PPSP provides free webinar sessions January-March 2025 for your students to examine artifacts, documents, and video clips to learn about presidential campaigns through an interactive web series.
There’s Plenty to Learn About Our Presidents! Visit the website to learn more.
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Highlights from Social Media
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Technology Day
On January 6 we highlighted National Technology Day. The ICN Network was a pioneer over 30 years ago, as the first statewide fiber optic network in the nation.
Today we continue that commitment with our critical infrastructure, embracing advancements and upgrading technology at our sites. This commitment ensures that our users enjoy safe, secure, and dependable connections.
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TAI Tech Brew
The Technology Association of Iowa kicked off their 2025 Tech Brew series with our Executive Director Ryan Mulhall as the January guest.
He highlighted the many important communications that traverse the ICN's network. The ICN’s story is one of serving Iowa, ensuring critical communications empower our authorized users throughout the state to help Iowans.
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News from the Industries We Serve
As more careers and industries seek a workforce skilled in computer science and technology, Iowa schools are rising to meet that demand by providing high-quality computer science education to all students.
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This month, Iowa Department of Education staff saw firsthand the strides that one Iowa school has made in this space and the impressive opportunities it affords to students to learn, grow and develop their technological skills.
Source: educate.iowa.gov
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As UI Health Care works to increase access for all Iowans, the organization is actively adopting new, innovative technologies to support its teams, reduce the administrative burden involved with patient care, and enable a stronger connection with patients.
Source: Carver College of Medicine
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Reynolds has asked Cournoyer to review state-led efforts over the past 11 years to encourage students to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and math and update the programs for the next decade. Cournoyer has led STEM efforts in the Quad Cities and has taught robotics and computer coding.
Source: Radio Iowa
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The Meskwaki Police Department uses FirstNet for reliable connectivity across the reservation. FirstNet coverage helps tribal police officers communicate during everyday operations and planned events in the community, including the annual Powwow.
Source: FirstNet
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