The Illinois Century Network (ICN) began in 1997 with the recommendation from the Higher Education Technology Task Force to create a single, statewide educational network. The ICN became reality in May of 1999 with the signing of the legislation called the Illinois Century Network Act. The ICN has evolved significantly since 1999 and is now a 2000 mile state wide high speed broadband network serving K12 and Higher Education, Public Libraries and Museums, State and Local Government and Commercial service providers. The ICN is managed and operated by the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology.