Inside TrueNet’s tech-driven approach to smarter, faster, and more secure network delivery
TrueNet Communications (TrueNet) is a leading national infrastructure engineering and specialty contractor serving the broadband, telecommunications, wireless, and enterprise markets. Founded in 1985, TrueNet has grown into a trusted partner with over 40 years of experience delivering engineering, construction, and project management solutions that support the build-out of high-speed broadband networks across the country.
“Our mission is to become America’s most highly regarded network infrastructure services company by delivering a superior customer experience,” opens Erich Schlegel, President and CEO. “We bring value to our customers through effective solutions, quality support, and long-standing relationships built on trust and partnership. While our core competence is in design and engineering, we also offer OSP construction services, ISP engineering services, staffing services, wireless deployment services, and network equipment installation. 
“With a dedicated team of over 500 professionals, many of whom have more than 15 years of management tenure, we deliver the network of the future while living out our core values of innovation, operational excellence, and commitment to quality. Our legacy is rooted in deep industry knowledge and a constant drive to exceed expectations in a fast-moving sector.”
Comprehensive capabilities
As the company marks its 40th anniversary this year, we ask Erich for his thoughts on this incredible milestone. “Celebrating 40 years is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of,” he states. “Our success and longevity stem primarily from our employees and culture, which form the foundation of everything we do. We’ve stayed ahead of market trends by investing in our people and fostering a culture that never compromises quality. Building long-term relationships with our clients through reliability, cost-effectiveness, and transparency has been key. Most importantly, our agility and openness to change have allowed us to remain relevant and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.”
TrueNet offers a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to support end-to-end network delivery across a variety of markets. The company’s size, capabilities, and stability enable it to handle projects of any scale, from greenfield fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments to large-scale infrastructure upgrades, serving ISPs, utilities, and municipalities with end-to-end solutions.
“Our expertise spans fiber engineering and design, permitting, and both aerial and underground outside plant (OSP) construction, including fiber optic splicing, characterization, and rigorous QA/QC processes,” Erich outlines. “We also provide advanced digital data capture using photogrammetry and LiDAR sensors mounted on drones and vehicles, ensuring precise mapping and surveying. Our wireless services cover installation, commissioning, integration, tower inspections, and small cell deployments. Inside plant (ISP) services include EF&I, wiring, rack and stack, and ISP QA/QC. Additionally, we offer nationwide staffing services to support project needs.
“Demand for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) projects has surged significantly in recent years, driven by the national push for broadband equity and next-generation connectivity. In response, we have expanded our footprint and increased our workforce by adding a new Director of Business Development to meet the growing needs of the market. Our ability to execute quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively makes TrueNet a preferred partner for FTTH initiatives of all sizes, allowing us to support the deployment of critical broadband infrastructure nationwide.”
Smart, fast, and secure delivery
With an infrastructure built for performance, transparency, and security, it’s no surprise that TrueNet is a well-trusted partner for its customers. “We’ve spent decades refining a world-class digital ecosystem that streamlines operations and gives real-time visibility to our management and field teams alike,” Erich explains. “At the heart of this is our proprietary project management system, TrueQ Pro, which is purpose-built to manage complex utility services. It integrates GIS technology and advanced mapping tools, enabling our teams to plan, execute, and monitor projects with speed and precision. It also incorporates industry-leading security protocols, including multi-factor authentication and dual-encrypted databases requiring multiple tokens for access, because in today’s world, data protection is essential.
“Our clients choose TrueNet because we consistently deliver on time, with high-quality results, and a seamless process. We’ve invested heavily in project management and workflow systems that reduce errors, streamline execution, and make us exceptionally easy to do business with. When paired with our strong field operations and engineering teams, that gives our clients a strategic advantage.
“Additionally, our unmatched experience backs our technology,” he adds. “We’ve designed over five million FTTH passings, completed more than 8000 plant miles of as-built walkouts, audits, and permitting in the last 18 months, and delivered more than 10,000 Wi-Fi access point deployments. Our team has also successfully completed end-to-end network solutions with Fujitsu, our parent company, demonstrating our ability to execute at scale and in collaboration with industry leaders. TrueNet doesn’t just deliver; we deliver smarter, faster, and more securely, making us the clear choice for clients who demand excellence.”
It’s clear that operational excellence is at the core of everything TrueNet does. “Our systems are designed to support quality control, real-time tracking, and efficient workflows across multiple stakeholders,” Erich says. “We promote a culture of continuous improvement, where teams proactively identify ways to enhance performance, ensuring we meet our commitments with precision and consistency.
“As the world becomes increasingly complex, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art tools and technologies to maintain the highest standards. Our field teams utilize advanced data collection technologies such as LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other GIS-enabled devices to capture highly accurate, real-time information. Tools like our Lidar Data Collection Vehicle, 3-GIS Software, ArcGIS, and Katapult enable us to map, design, and deliver with exceptional accuracy. We’ve also started to integrate AI tools into our processes to reduce turnaround times while maintaining top quality and on-time delivery.”
Trusted partner
TrueNet will inevitably continue to succeed in 2025 and beyond, and the remainder of this year is an exciting period of growth and opportunity for the company. “We’ve recently secured new contracts with several regional ISPs that expand our geographic footprint and introduce new technical requirements, which will pose exciting challenges,” Erich reveals. “We anticipate generating $4 million in new revenue by partnering with Tier 1 and Tier 2 telco providers while also expanding into new verticals such as data center installations, energy companies, local utilities, and the installation of EV charging stations.
“At the same time, we’re focused on scaling our operations to meet growing customer demand while maintaining the quality and service levels that define our brand. We are also committed to enhancing our digital tools and strengthening training programs to develop the next generation of field and management talent, ensuring TrueNet’s continued leadership and innovation in the industry.
“This is all part of our aim to be the most trusted infrastructure partner in the industry, recognized not only for our technical capabilities but for how easy we are to work with,” Erich concludes. “We’ll continue to lead in innovation, expand our national presence, and cultivate a culture where people can grow their careers while making a real impact on the future of connectivity. Our employees, clients, and partners have been instrumental to our growth and evolution over the last 40 years, and our purpose of connecting people to opportunities will continue to drive everything we do.”