Iowa Capitol Complex Enhances Safety with Modernized Technology

The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) has completed a comprehensive modernization of safety technology across the State of Iowa Capitol Complex in Des Moines. The initiative, encompassing all 13 state government buildings, upgrades elevators, emergency phones, and fire panel systems with redundant and reliable technology, ensuring essential services for Iowans remain operational. The project was completed in mid-February 2026, and involved a partnership with Granite Telecommunications.

Addressing Outdated Infrastructure

For many state government buildings, critical systems relied on legacy copper voice lines, known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). As POTS technology became increasingly costly and prone to outages, the ICN sought alternative solutions to maintain essential day-to-day services. The modernization project replaces these outdated lines with a more robust and dependable network.

Granite EPIK Solution Deployed

The ICN partnered with Granite Telecommunications to install 81 EPIK devices. These devices provide connections for critical building services, including elevators, emergency phones, and fire panel systems. The partnership initially proved successful in March 2025, when a vendor outage disrupted connections at the State Historical Building. ICN rapidly deployed the Granite EPIK solution, averting approximately 63 hours of potential staff overtime needed to manually maintain system functionality. ICN and Granite Collaborate to Support Critical Functions.

Three-Layer Redundancy and Reliability

The latest system features a three-layer connection designed for maximum reliability:

• Direct Fiber Internet Connection: Each building has a dedicated fiber internet connection.
• Dual Cellular Backups: Two SIM cards from separate providers provide cellular backup connectivity.
• Battery Backup: Each unit includes a battery backup system capable of maintaining service for up to 24 hours during power outages.

This redundancy ensures that if one connection fails, the others automatically activate, maintaining uninterrupted service. ICN focuses on modernizing Iowa’s capitol complex buildings.

Seamless Integration and Future Applications

The EPIK devices were designed to integrate with existing equipment, minimizing the need for costly replacements. The ICN is also exploring the potential of Granite’s EPIK solution as a replacement for traditional fax lines. Granite | Iowa Communications Network.

Key Takeaways

• The ICN has completed a campus-wide safety technology upgrade at the Iowa Capitol Complex.
• The project replaces outdated POTS lines with a redundant system utilizing fiber internet and cellular backups.
• The Granite EPIK solution provides reliable connectivity for elevators, emergency phones, and fire panel systems.
• The new system includes battery backup for up to 24 hours of power outage protection.
• The upgrade enhances safety and dependability for visitors and state employees.