ICN's July News & Updates


July 2020

News & Updates


FCC Seeks Comments on Proposed Eligible Services for E-Rate

Education Customer Notice: On July 21, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice (DA 20-767) establishing the comment period for the Funding Year (FY) 2021 Eligible Services List for the E-Rate program.

View FCC Public Notice


Broadband Grant Program - Federal Opportunity

Governor Reynolds has authorized the allocation and expenditure of $50,000,000 from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CARES Act Funds”) to address the increased need for internet connectivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication Service Providers who install broadband infrastructure in this state or facilitate broadband service in this state are eligible to receive funds under this Notice of Funding Availability #003.

Read the Notice of Funding Availability #003 (Federally-Funded Opportunity)


Federal Telehealth Funding Awards

We continue to support our healthcare users with our participation as a common carrier for USAC's Rural Health Care Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICN provided 12 hospitals with bandwidth increases at no charge. Half of the hospitals have recognized the added value and decided to permanently increase their Internet bandwidth.

View a list of Iowa healthcare entities that received a COVID-19 Telehealth Program award.


It is Phishing Season

The latest results of KnowBe4's quarterly top-clicked phishing email subjects are in. They report on three different categories: social media related subjects, general subjects, and 'in the wild' attacks.

KnowBe4 describes phishing as the process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity using bulk email which tries to evade spam filters.

Read about Phishing Threats

Broadband News

Iowa VA telehealth visits on the rise

AT&T invests over $100 million for reliable coverage

The Psychology of Passwords

Secure Your VPN, No Matter What

Five growing post-COVID industries and where their jobs are

Iowa Economic Recovery Advisory Board eyes rural broadband as key issue in second meeting

Ultrasound machines that connect to smartphones are helping doctors safely scan COVID-19 patients


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