DartPoints launches ‘edge market’ data center model in Iowa

Dallas-based DartPoints is testing the waters in Iowa with localized “edge-market” data centers designed to network across underserved regions in the U.S. Built in 2020, the company’s North Liberty edge data center represents one of 212 underserved markets targeted by DartPoints, which recently announced a partnership with DE-CIX International’s Internet…

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Deere will deploy 5G in manufacturing facilities

Deere & Co. has received 5G licenses in five Iowa and Illinois counties as part of the Federal Communications Commission auction for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service 3.5 GHz spectrum, enabling Deere to accelerate the availability of 5G in its largest manufacturing facilities in North America, the company announced this…

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State announces $5M in broadband grants for rural Iowa, $4.4M to colleges and universities

Nearly $9.4 million in grant funds are available in Iowa to expand broadband access to rural Iowa and 43 colleges and universities in the state.  The state of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Education awarded nearly $4.4 million to increase internet connectivity for students in the 2020-21 school year;…

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Johnston approves MetroNet fiber optic broadband plan

Johnston city leaders approved plans by telecommunication company MetroNet to begin construction on a network for high-speed fiber optic internet, TV and phone service through the city, Johnston announced this week. MetroNet, based in Indiana, provides fiber-optic connections to homes and businesses with speeds ranging from 100 megabits to 1…

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Reynolds allocates $26.2 million to K-12 schools and colleges for internet connectivity

Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education on Friday announced that $26.2 million is now available to districts, nonpublic schools and colleges and universities, primarily to increase internet connectivity for students for the 2020-21 school year. Using the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund authorized under the federal Coronavirus…

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How did broadband companies meet the need for economic assistance?

As broadband providers watched in late spring, the needs of Iowans evolved rapidly, representatives at Mediacom and Minburn Communications said this month. Both companies saw an almost immediate shift in peak activity by residential users from the evening hours — Mediacom customers shifted to 3-4 p.m., and Minburn Communications saw peak…

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