Google is preparing to launch its fiber network in Kansas City next week. According to a special page that announces the target launch date, Kansas City residents can expect the service to launch on July 26. The fiber network will offer 1 gigabit per second fiber-based broadband connectivity. Although Google hasn't provided many additional details surrounding the launch, interested users can go to google.com/fiber and sign up to be notified when additional information is available.

Google announced the fiber project in February 2010. The company said it expected to launch the network this summer, so everything appears to be on track. Currently, it's unknown how much of the network has actually been built. Previously, Kevin Lo, general manager of Google Access, indicated Google planned to build the backbone of the network and then build the fiber to homes and businesses at a later time. Google plans to offer the fiber optic backbone across Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri.

Google's fiber connection is expected to provide customers with a connection that's 100 times faster than what most Americans use today. The full build out of this network is expected to take additional time, as laying fiber can require tearing up streets and land.