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Monthly Newsletter
Iowa Communications Network
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ICN News and Updates
ICN completed a campus-wide building safety initiative at the State of Iowa Capitol Complex in Des Moines. As of mid-February, all 13 government buildings’ elevators, emergency phones, and fire panel systems now incorporate redundant and reliable technology, securing the essential services that support Iowans every day.
To complete this critical infrastructure initiative, ICN partnered with Granite Telecommunications to install EPIK devices, which include connections for 81 essential building services that power elevators, emergency phones, and fire panel systems across the Capitol Complex.
The new EPIK devices replace traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines with a high-tech redundant connection that includes:
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Three-Way Reliability: Each building uses a direct fiber internet connection backed up by two different cellular providers. If one connection goes down, the others start instantly.
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Power Outage Protection: If the power goes out, the systems stay online. Each unit includes a battery backup that keeps emergency lines running for up to 24 hours.
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Seamless Fit: The new technology was designed to plug into the existing equipment, meaning no expensive replacements were needed.
This project is a successful example of a public-private partnership working to modernize the systems Iowans use every day.
➡️ As seen in the Business Record
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Latest ICN Headlines
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In the world of telecommunications, the last-mile is often the most critical; it's the final section of the network that connects a provider to the end-user.
To ensure Iowa communities stay connected, ICN partners with many private-sector providers, many of whom participate in our Peer to Career mentoring program.
Recently, Network Cable Installation students at the Ottumwa Job Corps Center heard directly from local experts.
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Career Insights from OmniTel Communications
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Telecom Wisdom from Allied (Adesta)
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Neighbor Connections from Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
These entities are essential Part III partners for the ICN, providing a connection between our statewide network and the local schools, hospitals, and government users.
By engaging with the professionals who manage Iowa’s essential infrastructure, students gain a real-world perspective that no textbook can replicate.
Best In State Hospitals 2026
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Congratulations to the top 20 Iowa hospitals being honored for clinical excellence!
The ICN takes great pride in supporting our state's hospitals and clinics. By providing secure, high-speed connectivity, we enable life-saving telehealth services and advanced medical coordination. It is an honor to empower the medical professionals across Iowa as they carry out their essential work.
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Spread the News to High School Students
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✨ Get ready! Applications Open Soon!
SYBAC 2026-2027 applications open April 15 for high school students.
Visit our SYBAC webpage for more information.
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Customer Feedback
We recently completed an optical cabling upgrade for South Central Calhoun CSD, and while the tech was cutting-edge, it was the collaboration that stood out.
 Social Media Highlights
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 We Recently Celebrated Employee Appreciation Day
Our employees work every day to protect Iowa’s critical infrastructure, ensuring the network stays strong, sharp, and running smoothly for all 99 counties. From the engineers to the field techs, their hard work powers the essential services Iowans rely on.
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 Luck is not a layer of security.
Don’t get pinched by a data breach this St. Paddy’s! We’ve got a few reminders to help you keep your digital defenses green and gold.  
- Enable MFA & patch software to keep the digital banshees at bay!
- Don’t let your data get bogged down.
Tips on the ICN Facebook & LinkedIn.
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Latest Industry & Broadband News |
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Telecom and Security News
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ICN's News and Updates Bulletin is your monthly source for everything happening with Iowa's critical infrastructure. Subscribe here to get it delivered directly to your inbox and catch up on key infrastructure projects, new services and customer stories, and telecom and security updates.
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