Speaker Bio
Trent Harkrader serves as chief of the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau, which works to ensure that all Americans have access to robust, affordable broadband and voice services. Its programs help ensure access to affordable communications for schools, libraries, health care providers and rural and low-income consumers and work to provide the policy framework that protects consumers and fosters competition. The bureau also reviews communications industry transactions and conducts rulemakings and proceedings to ensure the availability of key inputs for communications providers such as access to utility poles and rights of way. Prior to this position, Harkrader advised then-Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel on implementation of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, including its initiatives on broadband adoption and telehealth, while also continuing to serve as deputy bureau chief in the Wireline Competition Bureau. He has been responsible for numerous Commission broadband policy initiatives since 2011 and has led major reforms of all four of the Commission’s universal service programs, spearheaded the agency’s work on the national security supply chain proceeding and, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ran the Commission-wide initiative to help fund health care providers offering essential telehealth services to patients. Before joining the Wireline Bureau, he was an attorney adviser and division manager in the Enforcement Bureau. Harkrader received his B.A. from Duke University and J.D. from Southern Methodist University.