January 3, 2010
ICN Insider - January Issue
The January issue of the ICN Insider is located at http://www.icn.state.ia.us/quickfacts/press_room/newsletters/2011/Jan_2011Newsletter.pdf
In the January issue:
• Teacher of the Year Uses ICN's Infrastructure
• Engineering Accuracy Assists in Designing
• Meskwaki Tribe Benefits from BTOP Grant
• And Much More!
December 30, 2010
Commissioners Resign from ITTC
Two Commissioners on the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC) have officially resigned from their duties in December 2010.
Michael Mahaffey will be retiring as Poweshiek County Attorney, in addition to the ITTC. Mahaffey served on the ITTC since 2005. Dr. Pamela Duffy previously worked for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, and took a position with Des Moines University as an instructor. Duffy served on the ITTC since 2004.
The ITTC is the governing body of the ICN, and provides for the centralized, coordinated use and control of the Network. ITTC members are appointed by the Governor for a six-year term and confirmed by the Senate. Best wishes in their new endeavors.
December 6, 2010
National Teacher of the Year
Hundreds of Iowa high school students statewide joined in a book discussion with Sarah Wessling, the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, and other distinguished guests, using Iowa Communications Network’s (ICN) technology on Monday, December 6.
Press Release
December 2, 2010
ICN Insider for December 2010
The December issue of the ICN Insider is located at: www.icn.state.ia.us/quickfacts/press_room/newsletters/2010/Dec_2010Newsletter.pdf
In the December issue:
• ICN's Legislative Preparations Begins
• Students Benefit With ICN's IP Video Service
• ICN's BTOP Team Works with Sub-Recipients
• And Much More!
The ICN Insider will be posted on ICN's website for easy reference.
November 16, 2010
Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010
The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010. The report outlines the state’s fiber-optic network’s activities for July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
The report includes an overview of broadband activities, highlights usage, including the increased need for bandwidth and access to high-speed Internet by ICN’s customers. ICN’s customers include K-12 schools, Regent universities, community colleges, libraries, hospitals, National Guard, and state and federal agencies.
The ICN is committed to the continued enhancement of distance learning and providing Iowans with equal access to education and government through Internet, data, video conferencing, and voice services. For more information about the ICN, and to read the annual report, visit www.icn.state.ia.us.
November 10, 2010
ITTC Meeting
The ITTC hereby gives notice to the public of its intended meeting on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the Grimes State Office Building, 1st Floor, ICN Classroom, Des Moines, IA.
Full Meeting Notice
November 2, 2010
2010 National Teacher of the Year
The 2010 National Teacher of the Year and other distinguished guests will interact with Iowa high school students in a FREE mini "book discussion" using the ICN. Students throughout the state will hear the many messages found in the book To Kill a Mockingbird.
Iowa Public Television (IPTV), in conjunction with the Des Moines Public Library, will present To Kill a Mockingbird: Share the Experience on Monday, December 6, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., in multiple video sites utilizing ICN's infrastructure.
To register for this session, call (800) 532-1290 or (515) 242-3144 or visit http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=10714. The deadline to register is December 1.
November 1, 2010
ICN Insider for November 2010
The November issue of the ICN Insider is located at: www.icn.state.ia.us/quickfacts/press_room/newsletters/2010/Nov_2010Newsletter.pdf
In the November issue:
• Statewide Network Connects Hospitals
• ICN's Involvement in USF Continues
• Scheduling Training Available on Website
• Experience Iowa's Capitol via the Video Site
• And Much More!
The ICN Insider will be posted on ICN's website for easy reference.
Introducing ICN’s Training Toolbox!
ICN has created a page containing all the tools needed to work with the VOSS scheduling system. This page serves as a resource for new schedulers as well as a brief refresher for experienced schedulers.
You can access the page two ways on the ICN website (www.icn.state.ia.us):
Click the “ICN Training Toolbox” link located under the “Quick Links” heading.
Go to Services, Video, and Resources for ICN Schedulers and Site Contacts, and then click the “Training Toolbox” button.
Check out the Training Toolbox today!
October 13, 2010
ITTC Meeting Cancelled
Due to a light agenda, the scheduled Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission Update scheduled for October 20 has been cancelled.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 18.
October 8, 2010
Audio-Video Archives
ICN released a new web page for our Audio-Video Archives. The web page provides one location for visitors to view informational pieces that were previously located on our homepage. ICN will continue to add videos and Prezi presentations to the Audio-Video Archives page. Visit the Audio-Video Archives web page at www.icn.state.ia.us/quickfacts/audiovideoarchive/index.html.
October 1, 2010
New ICN Insider
The October issue of the ICN Insider is located here....
In the October issue:
- ITTC Appoints ICN’s Executive Director
- ICN Partners with Iowa Health System
- South Hamilton Benefits from More Bandwidth
- After Hours Contact Listing
- And Much More!
September 10, 2010
Dave Lingren, Iowa Communications Network’s Executive Director
The Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Lingren to serve as Iowa Communications Network’s (ICN) Executive Director, effective immediately.
Press Release
September 1, 2010
September ICN Insider Newsletter
ICN has posted the September ICN Insider Issue. Stories include: Congressman Boswell Visits with ICN, ICN Joins Facebook, Assisting Schools with Technology Initiatives, ICN Customer Survey Results, and much more! The ICN Insider is located here.......
August 26, 2010
Launching Broadband Page
ICN has launched a new web page for broadband information. This page provides additional resources and links to topics related to ICN’s federal broadband grant. The web page contains overviews of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and details of ICN’s federal grant. The broadband web page can be accessed by selecting the “broadband” button on the top of each page.
August 19, 2010
2010 Customer Survey
The 2010 customer survey was conducted in June, and the analysis is completed. We received positive customer feedback. The survey was to determine the overall customer satisfaction level in regards to the organization, as well as the customer satisfaction on an individual function-specific level. A total of 948 invitations were successfully received. Of those receiving the invitation, 190 completed the survey. Overall, the satisfaction level was the highest for video scheduling with a 93.6 percent satisfaction score, with maintenance and repair following with over 91 percent satisfaction. Satisfaction with overall sales performance has significantly increased. Over 82 percent of the customers who responded to the question of the value of ICN services indicated that the value was either excellent or good, as compared with a 75 percent satisfaction score last year. Almost 90 percent of the customers who participated in the survey indicated that they would be very likely or somewhat likely to recommend ICN services to decision makers in their organization or to their peers.
August 17, 2010
Congressman Leonard Boswell Held Panel Discussion with ICN
On Tuesday, August 17, U.S. Congressman Leonard Boswell was in Des Moines, and held a panel discussion with representatives on broadband services in Iowa. Congressman Boswell congratulated ICN on our recent $16.2 million federal grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
"A reliable 21st century communications network is vital for thousands of rural communities to survive and grow," Congressman Boswell said. "I have always fought for federal investment in broadband in Iowa to support our schools, improve public safety and emergency management services, and grow our small business community. This $16.2 million grant to the Iowa Communications Network will improve public safety and today's discussion was valuable to understanding how these federal dollars will be used."
The panel discussed how ICN’s funding will improve broadband connectivity, which will have a significant impact on public safety across Iowa. A presentation was made by Dave Lingren, explaining the benefits, goals, and potential partnerships relating to ICN’s grant.
Lt. Larry Grant, Department of Public Safety (DPS), demonstrated an application called Mobile Architecture for Communications Handling (MACH). This web-based application is used for cross-jurisdictional data-sharing within law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and public works communities. ICN’s grant will enable Iowa Emergency Management to use advanced web-based emergency management applications and provide Iowa’s DPS with reliable, statewide, high-speed connections to local law enforcement agencies and public safety access points.
Additional panel participants included Lt. Governor Patty Judge representing her commitment and dedication to Iowa’s Homeland Security activities; Dr. Pamela Duffy on behalf of the Iowa Telecommunication and Technology Commission; and Eugene T. Meyer, Iowa DPS Commissioner.
Press Release in PDF
August 6, 2010
ICN’s on Facebook
ICN launched its official Facebook page on Friday, August 6. Now you can keep in touch with the ICN as you network with friends and colleagues. Be sure to check the page often for exciting ICN news. The page will serve as a source of information pertaining to ICN services and will be updated regularly with news, service updates, and photos. Facebook allows users to view the page and become fans of the page. With its popularity increasing, ICN will use Facebook as a tool to keep up with the changing world of social networking. Be sure to visit and become a fan of ICN’s Facebook page.
July 21, 2010
K-12 Connections
Iowa Public Television’s (IPTV) K-12 Connections had the best year recorded, generating over 9,820 videoconferencing hours delivered over the ICN’s fiber-optic Network during the 2009-2010 school year. This is an increase of videoconferencing hours by 1,602 from Fiscal Year 2009, and exceeds the previous record set in Fiscal Year 2008, which generated 9,264 hours. Over 32,000 Iowa students, educators, and school personnel benefited from distance learning opportunities. Users learn through live, interactive sessions without worrying about travel time or gas prices.
More information.
July 15, 2010
ICN Insider
Iowa Communications Network introduces the ICN Insider. This newsletter will provide updated information about the ICN. The ICN Insider is located here.....
In this issue:
• ICN Received Broadband Infrastructure Funding
• Bandwidth Sales Increase
• A World of Opportunities
• US Broadband Google Map
• And Much more!
July 14, 2010
ICN RECEIVES FEDERAL BROADBAND GRANT
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) receives $16.2 million for broadband infrastructure funding for its “Bridging the Digital Divide for Iowa Communities” grant project.
ICN submitted a Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (CCI) application to the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The CCI project, proposed during the second round, will enhance the Network to a ten (10) Gbps (gigabytes per second) backbone that would reach all 99 counties in Iowa. This middle mile network advancement will also provide one (1) Gbps of symmetrical Ethernet connectivity to 1,036 education facilities, hospitals, libraries, public safety, workforce development, and other Community Anchor Institutions throughout the state.
For more information visit ICN’s Press Releases.
July 13, 2010
Google Mapping Tool
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) created a Google mapping tool to help inform individuals on how other states provide the same type of telecommunication services to education and government. This required initial broadband research, analysis of networks, and compiling the data. The information that was gathered includes services provided, how the services are paid for, how the networks are governed, how the networks are funded, and who owns the network infrastructure.
Click this link to visit ICN’s US Broadband Networks Google map
July 2, 2010
Governor Culver Announces $90 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Broadband Access
Projects create jobs, enhance technology
DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today announced seven federal grants totaling more than $90 million that will enhance broadband and fiber network connectivity in Iowa. The funds come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“This is an exciting time for Iowa,” Governor Culver said. “These grants will enable Iowans to aspire to the next level of opportunities utilizing broadband and further the possibilities for Iowa education, health, safety, transportation, and economics. This money will not only create hundreds of jobs during the deployment phase, but it will also bolster these Iowa communities for many years to come. It will be a lasting legacy for the ARRA bill.”
The grants awarded are as follows:
- Iowa Communications Network will receive a $16.2 million grant from the Department of Commerce with an additional $7.6 million applicant-provided match to upgrade an existing 3,000-mile network with direct high-speed connections for thousands of community institutions. Iowa Communications Network's project stands to benefit over 4,500 community institutions. Of the 99 counties in the state, 17 are economically distressed and will be served by this project. Approximately 100 jobs will be created initially.
- Iowa Health System will receive a $17.7 million grant from the Department of Commerce with an additional $9.9 million applicant-provided match to upgrade and enhance the health system’s existing fiber network that provides connections to over 200 healthcare facilities. In addition, the funding will facilitate more access to broadband service for residents and businesses statewide. High quality broadband is very useful for the moving of medically important data. Approximately 100 jobs will be created initially.
- The Farmers’ Telephone Company of Riceville will receive a $9,367,926 loan and $9,367,927 grant from USDA and $4,683,963 in private investment to construct a fiber-to-the-premises network, allowing Farmers Telephone Company to provide greater than 20Mbps broadband access in the exchange areas of Little Cedar, New Haven, Plymouth, Riceville, Marble Rock, Greene, St. Ansgar and Stacyville. Approximately 250 jobs will be created initially.
- Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation will receive a $2,788,293 loan and $6,506,016 grant from USDA. The funding will provide broadband service to the towns of Lorimor, Murray, Thayer, and their surrounding rural areas via a fiber-to-the-home network.
- Ellsworth Cooperative Telephone Association will receive s $1,580,609 loan and $3,688,087 grant from USDA. The Ellsworth Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Deployment Project will provide high speed Internet service in the communities of Ellsworth, Garden City, and their surrounding rural areas via a fiber-to-the-home network.
- Breda Telephone Corp. will receive a $783,572 loan, $1,828,337 grant from USDA and $2,611,909 in private investment from USDA. This project will allow high speed Internet and video services to reach all of the customers in the Breda and Lidderdale exchanges, in addition to their present landline phone services.
- Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation will receive a $6,081,258 loan and $14,189,603 grant from USDA. The funding will provide broadband service to the towns of Corydon, Millerton, Allerton, and Lineville, IA, and Powersville, Mo., and their surrounding rural areas.
The federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), established through the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration, was appropriated $4.7 billion for federal awards to eligible entities. Guidelines for BTOP, created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), is to expand access to broadband services in the United States by awarding grants for: deploying broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, enhancing broadband capacity at public computer centers, and promoting sustainable broadband adoption. For more information about BTOP visit www.broadbandusa.gov.
June 23, 2010
Iowa’s first statewide broadband availability map was launched Friday, June 18. The web-based map is fully interactive and puts powerful tools and information directly into anyone interested in improving the technological landscape in Iowa. The map is available on the Connect Iowa website (www.connectiowa.org).
The map paves the way for technology to follow which will create new jobs, increase Iowa’s economic competitiveness, and deliver services that have been previously unavailable to rural areas of the state. 177 broadband providers offered data showing that 66% of Iowans have access to broadband in their homes.
Availability of the map was funded through American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and is part of the national FCC mapping and broadband planning project. Connect Iowa; a subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation is Iowa’s designated entity under the grant award. The Iowa Utilities Board and the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board are leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Iowa. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the Iowa Utilities Board to work with all broadband providers in the state of Iowa to create detailed maps of broadband coverage in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Iowa.
June 15, 2010
The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) wants to keep our customers informed on our progress in incorporating H.323/SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) into our videoconferencing platform. The first phase of work includes an upgrade to our VOSS scheduling software. We are excited to tell our customers that out of five deliverables, four have been completed successfully for the first phase. Each completed deliverable is an accomplishment for ICN, but more importantly, it is a step forward in providing our customers with the next generation of videoconferencing capabilities.
Incorporated in the first phase is implementing an easy-to-use web-based user interface for sites that are initially established or upgraded to the IP (Internet Protocol) platform. The interface has similar and familiar concepts to current displays, but incorporates a fresh aspect and additional features that are popular for today’s distance learning needs.
Once the first phase of work is finished, we will begin a testing period with our systems and equipment. During this period, current applications will not change; all testing of the systems and equipment will be done internally at ICN. Soon after the systems and equipment testing, we plan to test with a group of customers. Our goal is to bring the best that videoconferencing has to offer, affordable rates, and to ensure that we provide a flawless system.
We have posted an informational document on our website, (http://www.icn.state.ia.us/vsp/VSP_2010611.pdf), which describes prospective concepts and features that will be available after the testing phase is completed. This network was built for Iowans, and we want to address your questions and we value the input, so feel free to contact ICN’s Video Service Project (VSP) team at ICNVSPTeam@iowa.gov. Sharing our infinite possibilities provides Iowans with a brighter future in distance learning.
June 8, 2010
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) believes distance learning is essential for Iowans to compete nationally and globally, whether in education, health, safety, transportation or business. Our goal is to bring the best that videoconferencing technology has to offer along with the best value. As we study this ever-changing industry landscape, conduct discussions with other industry leaders of videoconferencing, and more importantly, listen to our authorized users’ needs, we have determined the best course is to incorporate H.323/SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) into ICN’s videoconferencing platform. H.323/SIP is the industry standard for videoconferencing on Internet Protocol (IP) networks. The maturity in the H.323/SIP standard provides robust features, high quality, and extensive support.
ICN’s future H.323/SIP videoconferencing features include:
- Compatibility between videoconferencing platforms
- Personal computer and laptop compatibility
- Recording, streaming, and video archiving
- Ability to add new video end-points (rooms, sites, users)
The use of H.323/SIP allows our future platform to offer features never before available. In order to provide a familiar user interface, the first phase of this project, which is currently in progress, includes an upgrade to ICN’s VOSS scheduling software. Video schedulers will see familiarity and interoperability when scheduling between the current ATM/MPEG and future H.323/SIP platforms.
We are also identifying options on how existing video sites can be used. We want to keep rates affordable while allowing the ability to use the video site in different ways. That is why ICN is developing options for a video cart system as well as the use of personal computers or laptops with web cameras, in addition to upgrading existing video sites.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us at ICNVSPTeam@iowa.gov.
March 2, 2010
Dr. Pamela Duffy was reappointed by Governor Culver to serve on the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC) on Monday, March 1.
Dr. Pamela Duffy
March 1, 2010
Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board Update
The Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board (IBDGB) met on February 26. Iowa has potentially four applicants who have been notified of their federal broadband grant and/or loan funding. Those applicants could apply for state funding. For additional information visit www.broadband.iowa.gov
2009 Outreach Effort
During the last quarter of 2009, an outreach effort to ICN authorized users was undertaken.
The project had goals of determining:
• Perceptions of authorized users regarding the value of the ICN
• How users expect to use the ICN in future years
• How users view the impact of current public policy governing the ICN
Qualitative research was completed in October, generated from seven focus groups held across the state. Additional research was completed in November, via an on-line survey of authorized users inclusive of all those invited to participate in a focus group and the focus group attendees.
ICN leadership worked closely with the research contractor, State Public Policy Group, Inc. (SPPG), in framing the activities, providing background information, and supplying the database of authorized users from which the research sample was drawn. However, all participation and responses were held in strict anonymity.
SPPG presented their findings and analysis to the ITTC Commission and ICN staff during the February 17, 2010 ITTC meeting.
Download SPPG Report
February 10, 2010
Infrastructure Forums
The schedule of forums continues with sessions in Dubuque and Sioux City. A sixth session via ICN has been added on February 12. Nine sites statewide will be available for those unable to attend one of the other five meetings.
Sioux City, Sioux City Main Library
529 Pierce Street, Sioux City, IA 51101
February 11, 2010, 9:30 am to noon
ICN Session
February 12, 2010, 10:00 am to noon
February 08, 2010
Infrastructure Forums Continue - ICN Sites Added
You’re invited to a community forum in the area to provide input on a comprehensive
infrastructure plan for Iowa’s future economy. Join stakeholders in the private, nonprofit, and local public sectors to discuss Iowa’s infrastructure in the following sectors:
Buildings and Vertical Infrastructure
Energy
Natural Resources
Telecommunications
Transportation
January 25, 2010
Infrastructure Strategy
January 5, 2010
ITTC appoints Interim Executive Director to the ICN
(Des Moines, Iowa) -- The Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC) appointed Dave Lingren as Iowa Communications Network’s (ICN) Interim Executive Director during a special meeting held on January 4.
Lingren is currently the Service Delivery Administrator for ICN. Lingren joined the ICN staff in April 2001 working with the Network Operations personnel. He assumed the lead management role for the ICN’s Service Delivery organization in July 2005. Previously to working at ICN, Lingren spent 20 years with Qwest Communications. Lingren’s undergraduate work was completed at Wentworth Military Academy/Junior College and Iowa State University. He also received his Certified Public Manager certification from Drake University in 2007.
The ITTC also appointed Lingren, as Interim Executive Director, to serve on the Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board and Electronic Health Advisory Council. In addition, Lingren will serve on the Telecommunications Sector Committee along with ICN’s Deputy Director Joseph Cassis.
The ITTC is currently establishing a selection process to permanently fill ICN’s Executive Director position.
John Gillispie announced his resignation from ICN as Executive Director effective January 8, 2010. Gillispie accepted a position at the University of Missouri. Gillispie was appointed by the ITTC in 2002 to lead the ICN. He also served as the State’s designated Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer for Department of Administrative Services’ Information Technology Enterprise.
