History
The Center for Applied Communications and Networks (formerly known as the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center – ITEC) was established in 2004 within Texas A&M University with the vision of becoming a premier hub for research and development in communication technologies. Recognizing the growing need for advanced communication systems, the center was founded to address the challenges of emerging technologies and to foster innovation through strategic partnerships with academia, industry, and government entities. Throughout its 20-year history, the center continued to grow and become a more strategic asset for interoperable and secure communications
In January 2025, the center was moved from Texas A&M University to The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. This move simplifies the center’s ability to provide service to all eleven university and eight state agency System members and enables the center to bring those vast resources to bear on the projects in which it is engaged. To more accurately reflect its current and future mission the center also changed its name to the Center for Applied Communications and Networks.
History of The Center for Applied Communications and Networks
The Texas A&M Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) is established under the Academy for Advanced Telecommunications and Learning Technologies.
ITEC selected for Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1 by the Department of Transportation as proof-of-concept leader.
Interlocal agreement signed to support Harris County first ever 4G Public Safety Broadband Network
Dept. Homeland Security CAUSE Experiment with Canada (Inter-border disaster communications)
Global Mission Critical Push to Talk Plugfest held at TAMU
ITEC awarded Phase 1 of NG 9-1-1 Interoperability Testing funding through DHS
Phase 1 Complete, awarded Phase 2-Interoperability Task Force is formed
ITEC supports 5G Department of Defense research mission at RELLIS campus.
Funded project total $5.2 million for the year to date (including contracts in progress
ITEC becomes the Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN), marking a new era under the Texas A&M University System.