Iowa Communications Network on the block

The State of Iowa, via its semi-autonomous agency, the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC), has decided to explore the sale or lease of the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). The ITTC issued an RFP seeking interested parties on February 6.

The Iowa General Assembly has backed the proposed transaction via legislation (2011 Iowa Acts, Chapter 122, Section 8 as amended by 2011 Iowa Acts, Chapter 127, Section 55). Copies of the RFP can be found at www.ICNRFP.com.

The ICN is primarily dedicated to distance learning and to providing Iowans with convenient, equal access to education and government. The fiber-optic network links anchor institutions in the education and health care fields as well as the judicial system, government agencies, and the National Guard.

The network was the recipient of broadband stimulus funding through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). ADVA Optical Networking was contracted to supply optical transport equipment for the upgrade (see “Iowa Communications Network deploys ADVA Optical Networking gear statewide”).

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.