Fremont is one step closer to getting fiber internet, and two contractors are competing to install it for city office buildings. Fremont City Council awarded a contract to MP Nexlevel to build a Fiber Optic communications network for city usage.
The communications network runs the city’s emergency response, traffic signal communications and public Wi-Fi. According to the city’s Fiber Optic Master Plan adopted in July 2022, fiber internet may become a broadband option for residents looking to purchase a fiber internet plan.
But, St. Francis Electric—the only other bidder competing for the contract—will not accept defeat without a protest. The company said in a protest letter that MP Nexlevel’s subcontractor Heed, Inc. has an expired industrial registration number with California’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). By law, contractors have to register with the DIR before sending a bid to work on a project.
The DIR protects wage workers from labor law violations. Registration requirements with the DIR includes workers’ compensation coverage, a Contractor’s State License Board license and zero unpaid wages owed to an employee.
According to a city report, the city started accepting bids for the Fiber Optic network project on July 8, 2025. Only two contractors responded, MP Nexelevel offering to do the job for $327,107 and St. Francis Electric, charging $375,490.
St. Francis Electric officials said in the protest letter that subcontractor Heed, Inc. had an expired registration on June 30. Fremont city staff members said they checked the DIR website and confirmed the subcontractor had an active registration by bidding time on July 8. The council approved the item on Sept. 16 awarding MP Nexlevel with a contract to build a fiber optic network for city facilities.
