Ten years ago, Kennett passed a Stress Test for being a town that would succeed. In the book “The Kennett Story: Shaping our future one child at a time,” it was told that Kennett did well in creating “public private partnerships” along with having “exceptional schools”.
Since writing the book, we’ve had a pandemic. During this time, it soon was uncovered that some students, families and senior citizens were missing out on participating in community activities. With a lack of Internet connectivity in their homes, as well as parents, lacking digital literacy to help their child with online school, the students lost a significant edge. This gap continues to increase today as the use of technology grows in most areas of daily living.
As advocates of digital opportunity along with the Chester County Digital Alliance (CCDA), Joan Holliday and Jim Mercante are promoting the mission of “Internet for all.” We encourage all community members to get on the band wagon and become advocates with their municipalities, county, state and federal governments, along with nonprofits. The question that is begging to be asked; “How are we building ‘Internet for all’ into our strategic plans?”
Electric adoption took place in the early 1900s. To make a strong point, we offer parallels for accepting “Internet for all” as the next major social transformation.
1. From “luxury” to necessity
When electricity was first introduced, many saw it as a novelty for the wealthy — a convenience for lighting parlors or powering early gadgets. Only later did society recognize it as a foundational utility that transformed health, safety, productivity, and opportunity.The Internet is following the same trajectory. Though often seen as optional or entertainment, it is essential for education, work, healthcare, civic participation, and financial stability.
2. Uneven adoption and the “haves” vs. “have-nots”
In the early 1900s, rural communities lagged urban centers in access to electricity. Lack of access meant fewer opportunities for industry, education, and quality of life. It took major public investment (e.g., the Rural Electrification Act) to close that gap.Today, the digital divide plays the same role: households without affordable broadband or adequate digital skills are effectively shut out of jobs, remote learning, telehealth, and online government services. Public policy and community initiatives are now trying to bridge that gap.
3. Underestimating transformative potential
Early on, electricity was viewed mainly to replace kerosene lamps or power a few appliances. Few grasped its broader potential to reshape industry, agriculture, communication, and even leisure.Similarly, many still underestimate the Internet as merely a communication tool or entertainment platform. Its deeper potential — as a lever for reducing poverty by connecting people to remote work, telehealth, online education, financial tools, and civic resources — remains unrealized in much of society.
4. Infrastructure and skills go together
Electrification wasn’t just about stringing wires; people had to learn how to use and benefit from new tools — from light switches to electric stoves and machinery. Adoption required education, demonstration projects, and community trust.Digital access works the same way: affordable broadband is just the first step. Without digital literacy and confidence, households can’t fully leverage online opportunities. Skills training, like “digital literacy for daily life,” is as important as the wires and devices themselves.
5. A critical asset for fighting poverty
When electricity reached poor and rural communities, it unlocked productivity, reduced drudgery, improved health, and made communities viable for growth. It became one of the strongest anti-poverty tools of the 20th century.
The Internet holds the same promise now: providing pathways out of isolation and poverty by opening doors to education, jobs, affordable goods, financial services, and health resources. Just as electricity became an equalizer, digital skills can serve as a modern day equalizer.
The Story of Kennett – Shaping the future one child at a time” Joan Holliday and Bob George’s book on Kennett may be purchased on Amazon and at the Mushroom Cap. You may contact Joan at: dochollisv@aol.com.