About Trent
Trent Harkrader founded Wyanoke Strategies after more than 25 years working across broadband, technology policy, and Washington decision-making.
Trent served as Chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau, helping set the agency’s broadband and telecommunications agenda and shape the regulatory environment for the broadband industry. In this role, he collaborated with congressional leaders, White House and administration officials, other federal agencies, and senior industry executives. Over his career, Trent worked closely with FCC Chairs, FCC Commissioners and NTIA Administrators across several administrations.
During his time at the FCC, Trent led teams responsible for major broadband deployment and affordability programs, advised on technology and regulatory issues, and helped shape and carry out national broadband policy. He also helped modernize universal service programs and build support for initiatives affecting communities, providers, schools, libraries, and health care organizations.
These experiences gave him a close view of how policy decisions take shape, how different stakeholders approach the same issue, and how organizations make informed choices in a changing environment. With Wyanoke Strategies, he brings that perspective to clients working through complex policy, regulatory, and business challenges.
Earlier in his career, Trent served as an attorney in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau and as a federal prosecutor. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and English from Duke University and a J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law.