Google has announced the launch of Google Fiber in Kansas City to provide users there with Internet access more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have today. The response was overwhelming-nearly 1,100 cities felt the need for speed-and we were thrilled by the enthusiasm we saw across the country for better and faster web connections.

After a careful review, Google is happy to announce that it would build its ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas. "We've signed a development agreement with the city, and we'll be working closely with local organizations, businesses and universities to bring a next-generation web experience to the community," the company in a statement.

"In selecting a city, our goal was to find a location where we could build efficiently, make an impact on the community and develop relationships with local government and community organizations. We've found this in Kansas City. We'll be working closely with local organizations including the Kauffman Foundation, KCNext and the University of Kansas Medical Center to help develop the gigabit applications of the future," the statement adds.

Pending approval from the city's Board of Commissioners, we plan to offer service beginning in 2012. We'll also be looking closely at ways to bring ultra high-speed Internet to other cities across the country.

Over the past decade, the jump from dial-up to broadband has led to streaming online video, digital music sales, video conferencing over the web and countless other innovations that have transformed communication and commerce. We can't wait to see what new products and services will emerge as Kansas City moves from traditional broadband to ultra high-speed fiber optic connections.