US Ignite is an initiative to promote ultra-fast broadband and software-defined networks

The US Federal Government is teaming with almost 100 partners to improve America’s broadband Internet with “US Ignite,” a new program that seeks to make it cheaper and easier for broadband construction in the USA – as well as the creation of apps and services to take advantage of that new Internet.

The future of broadband Internet in America is about to catch fire. Announcing a new initiative entitled “US Ignite,” President Obama today signed an executive order to lower broadband costs and increase the speed of broadband network installation through federal property while also taking the lead in a new partnership that aims to “create a new wave of service that take advantage of state-of-the-art, programmable broadband networks running up to 100 times faster than today’s Internet.”

The partnership, also called US Ignite, describes itself as “an initiative to promote US leadership in developing applications and services for ultra-fast broadband and software-defined networks” by “foster[ing] the creation of novel applications and digital experiences that will transform healthcare, education and job skills training, public safety, energy, and advanced manufacturing.” So far, so election year promises, right…? But, according to Ignite Executive Director Sue Spradley, it’s more than just empty sloganeering and suitably vague futurism.