The Project 25 Technology Interest is pleased to publish our latest P25 System of the Month: 

Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS)

 

The Full P25 System Case Study can be downloaded using the link below:

P25 System of the Month- Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System ISICS

 

ISICS Logo Iowa        Iowa comm van

In April 2021 the State of Iowa officially accepted their new statewide Project 25 (P25) network linking hundreds of public safety and public service agencies, schools and even some utilities across the state. The appropriately named Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS) brings greater than 95% mobile coverage across the state with a significant amount of portable coverage as well. This represents a new era of advanced communications technology for the state with reliable interoperable communications for all member agencies that utilize the 700/800 MHz band and P25 Phase II Technology Standard.

There are approximately 27,000 users representing hundreds of unique agencies on the ISICS platform today.  The system is a Project 25 Phase 2, 700/800 MHz, trunked system utilizing approximately 140 sites across the state and is growing. The System offers user agencies a minimum of 95% mobile coverage over the state geographic area. Shared interoperability talk groups are set for P25 Phase 1 & Phase 2

ISICS has been essential to successful communications in large events in Iowa. It was used during several notable events such as the Iowa State Fair, University of Iowa athletics, Iowa State University athletics, University of Northern Iowa athletics, Knoxville Nationals, Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), Solheim Cup, dignitary visits, the 2020 Midwest Derecho, 2021 serial derecho that produced 60+ tornadoes, Major League Baseball at the Field of Dreams, and numerous specialized task force operations. Large, complex events with large geographic areas are now easier to handle with a shared P25 State-wide network. Operations for special annual events like the RAGBRAI bicycle ride are easier to plan for and execute.

Solhiem 1  Solhiem 2

 

The ISICS Case Study offers detailed information on all aspects of the P25 System

 

  • Funding and Development
  • Governance
  • Training and Radio Programming
  • State of Iowa System Metrics
  • Interoperability
  • Interoperability Success in Iowa: Large Events (Solheim Cup, Derecho)
  • Interoperability Success in Iowa: Day to Day Operations
  • The ISICS Offers Multi-Vendor Project 25 Product Availability
  • Future Development Priorities