Phoenix will join forces with Cox Communications, US Ignite and the National Science Foundation to ramp up the city's communication infrastructure through Smart Gigabit technology.

Smart Gigabit Communities link networks, institutions and non-profits to develop apps that address local needs like public safety, education, public health and job training. Phoenix will be the 16th city in the country to join the partnership and will have access to apps developed by the previous participants.

"Phoenix is a center for innovation, but becoming a 'Smart Gigabit Community' will help inspire our best and brightest entrepreneurs to take our economy in exciting new directions," Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said. "This effort will lead to increased collaboration in our surging tech-innovation ecosystem, streamline city government, and enhance the lives of people who live, work and play in our community."

The transformation is part of an initiative backed by the White House to increase U.S. competitiveness by exploiting the newest technologies.