Trent Harkrader
Trent Harkrader serves as Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, which works to ensure that all Americans have access to robust, affordable broadband and voice services, through universal service programs, a competition policy framework that protects consumers and fosters competition, and policymaking informed by comprehensive data about communications services, including broadband. Prior to this position, Trent advised then-Acting Chairwoman on implementation of the recent 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. Trent has been responsible for numerous Commission broadband policy initiatives since 2011. He 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 Bureau, Trent was an attorney advisor and division manager in the Enforcement Bureau. He received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University and his B.A. from Duke University.