From digital divide to tribal opportunity ...

Even as it struggles to find footing from the long recession, the global economy is being transformed by a technology revolution. The world is moving from connected to hyperconnected, and many geographic barriers to social and economic opportunity are being eliminated along the way.

How is this digital revolution playing out in Indian Country? A recent study found that when Native Americans have access to broadband services, they are savvy users, utilizing digital multimedia and communications technologies at rates much higher than national averages.

Yet for telecommunications generally, and broadband in particular, Native American communities are the most unserved and underserved in the nation. As many as one-third or more of households on tribal lands lack basic telephone service (compared to only about 2 percent nationally), and more than 90 percent of residents on tribal lands lack access to broadband technology.

Tribal-centric models for bridging this digital divide are increasingly being recognized as both viable and critical. Tribes are exploring opportunties to develop infrastructure, exercise regulatory oversight and deliver communications services in ways that promote tribal sovereignty and culture, provide affordable access and produce a more sustainable digital platform for economic opportunity.

Tribal Telecom 2012 brings together tribal leaders, administrators, enterprise executives, government agencies and professionals to share information, explore options and pursue solutions that will bring digital opportunities to Indian Country.

This is one event in 2012 you can't afford to miss! Register before Jan. 6 for the early discount.

More information at www.tribaltelecom2012.com.