Connected Texas will bring together key stakeholders from across the state for its first annual Broadband Summit Tuesday, June 5, in Dallas as part of the TIA 2012: Inside the Network event. The summit will focus on spurring technology jobs, innovation, and closing the broadband gap in rural Texas.

The Broadband Summit will kick off the Telecommunications Industry Association's annual Conference and Exhibition, TIA 2012: Inside the Network – June 5-7 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Dallas.

"Texas is the right place to host a hallmark gathering like TIA 2012 and this year we are proud to join forces to hold Connected Texas' first Broadband Summit where we will focus on keeping Texas at the forefront of technology adoption and connectivity," said Connected Texas Executive Director Don Shirley. "The summit is an opportunity to bring influencers and partners from both the public and private sectors together to further our plans for increased broadband access, adoption and use across the state."

"As the leading Information and Communications Technology industry group in the United States, TIA actively supports efforts to bridge the ‘digital divide' in our country," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "Our technology supplier members welcome the role of Connected Nation in finding new models and partnerships that bring the benefits of broadband connectivity and services to all sectors of our society. TIA 2012 offers the perfect venue for developing new business opportunities aimed at delivering these benefits."

The Broadband Summit will bring together leaders spanning the state and sectors such as government, telecom, business, tribal, healthcare, and education to focus on strategies for increasing access in the state's rural areas and growing digital literacy among vulnerable communities. Connected Texas research shows that less than half – 48 percent – of the state's rural residents subscribe to broadband, cutting them off from the economic, educational, and quality of life opportunities available through a broadband connection.