Gov. Kim Reynolds says the state-owned fiber optic network should be sold as soon as possible.
In 1989, then-Gov. Terry Branstad promoted the Iowa Communications Network as a “cyber highway” that would allow K-12 students to take classes not offered in their local school districts.
Molly Severn, deputy chief of staff for Reynolds, estimates the state could receive $100 million from selling the fiber network now.
In the 1990s, several Republican lawmakers called for selling the network, arguing the state was effectively operating a telephone company that competed unfairly with the private sector.
Reynolds’ bill calling for a speedy sale of the network has cleared a House subcommittee.
