Ten years ago, Kennett passed a Stress Test for being a town that would succeed. In the book \u201cThe Kennett Story: Shaping our future one child at a time,\u201d it was told that Kennett did well in creating \u201cpublic private partnerships\u201d along with having \u201cexceptional schools\u201d.<\/p>\n
Since writing the book, we\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
As advocates of digital opportunity along with the Chester County Digital Alliance (CCDA), Joan Holliday and Jim Mercante are promoting the mission of \u201cInternet for all.\u201d 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; \u201cHow are we building \u2018Internet for all\u2019 into our strategic plans?\u201d<\/p>\n
Electric adoption took place in the early 1900s. To make a strong point, we offer parallels for accepting \u201cInternet for all\u201d as the next major social transformation.<\/p>\n
1. From \u201cluxury\u201d to\u00a0necessity<\/p>\n
When electricity was first introduced, many saw it as a novelty for the wealthy \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
2. Uneven adoption and the \u201chaves\u201d vs. \u201chave-nots\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
3. Underestimating transformative potential<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 as a lever for reducing poverty by connecting people to remote work, telehealth, online education, financial tools, and civic resources \u2014 remains unrealized in much of society.<\/p>\n
4. Infrastructure and skills go together<\/p>\n
Electrification wasn\u2019t just about stringing wires; people had to learn how to use and benefit from new tools \u2014 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\u2019t fully leverage online opportunities. Skills training, like \u201cdigital literacy for daily life,\u201d is as important as the wires and devices themselves.<\/p>\n
5. A critical asset for fighting poverty<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n