Michael O'Rielly Quotes

We must close the digital divide.

I believe that interconnectivity is a human right.

In today's world, access to the Internet is inarguably critical to function in informal and formal spaces - and the costs to digital segregation are rising.

The world's urban poor and the illiterate are going to be increasingly disadvantaged and are in danger of being left behind. The web has added a new dimension to the gap between the first world and the developing world. We have to start talking about a human right to connect.

I'm chairing a UNESCO committee on how to improve global Internet communications for science; help third-world people get onto the Net so they can be part of the process.

The FCC has been hard at work doing what we can to help close the digital divide.

I've talked a lot about the need to promote digital empowerment: to enable any American who wants high-speed Internet access, or broadband, to get it.

We want to bridge the digital gap to provide broadband access to 100 per cent of our educational institutions and to make it widely available to all people.

Broadband eliminates so many barriers to entry for so many different people that it's actually become a barrier to entry in and of itself if you're not getting online on a regular basis.

So long as confusion reigns, there will be no successful global Internet agenda, only contradiction.

Improving the Internet is just one means, albeit an important one, by which to improve the human condition. It must be done with an appreciation for the civil and human rights that deserve protection - without pretending that access itself is such a right.

Many people see technology as the problem behind the so-called digital divide. Others see it as the solution. Technology is neither. It must operate in conjunction with business, economic, political and social system.

Eight billion people will have Internet access by 2020.

Our goal in life ought to be to extend this medium [the Internet] so that it is available to every man, woman and child in the country.

Access to reliable Internet is a necessity, whether it's for school, work, or staying connected with family and friends.

As Chair of the Broadband and Technology Task Force, I will strive to ensure that legislative and regulatory policy making on these rapidly evolving services takes fully into account the needs of the Latino community.

All Americans must have access to the Internet in today's digital world, and the market needs competition to drive affordable prices.

Broadband is not a luxury; it's critical infrastructure.

The Internet is not pervasive as it could be, or democratic.

Let's make sure that the Internet stays open to those who need it the most.

Gigabit Opportunity Zones would enable Americans to become participants in, rather than spectators of, the digital economy. They would be a powerful solution to the digital divide. I hope our elected officials will give the idea serious consideration.

The digital revolution is one that every community should and can participate in.

Broadband Internet access shouldn't depend on who you are or where you're from.

Only about 10 percent of India's population uses the web, making it unlikely that Internet freedom will be a decisive ballot-box issue anytime soon.

Connectivity is a human right.