Breaking the Internet

"An essential read for mayors, county officials, and any local digital champion wanting to make a difference."

Dr. Christopher Ali, associate professor at the University of Virginia and author of Farm Fresh Broadband

Broadband is not affordable or available in the homes of millions of Americans, and in Breaking the Internet, author Terrence Denoyer chronicles the journey one community in west Texas is taking to get high-speed internet service into every household. Painting a portrait of the broadband problem in Ector County, Texas amidst the pandemic, as well as a review of strategies taken by other U.S. communities, this is the book for the community leader facing the digital divide and looking for options. Follow Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri and Chief Technology Officer of Ector County Independent School District, Dr. Kellie Wilks, as they respond to the shutdown of schools in 2020, form a task force of local government and business leaders, and seek credible data to understand what neighborhoods and areas in their county were without broadband service. Breaking the Internet is about Kellie and Scott's exemplary leadership in the face of crisis and the choices they made, not only for their students, but for the long-term prosperity of their entire community. Author Terrence Denoyer leverages his background in systems, data, user experience, education and government to narrate a sweeping story that is local in scope but global in its significance. It is an origin story about breaking down the barriers to equitable broadband access.

"Scott and Kellie model selfless leadership. Terry expertly weaves their local broadband story against a national and historical backdrop." Dr. Robert Avossa, former Superintendent of Palm Beach County Schools and Fulton County Schools