USF Contribution and Distribution Reform: Imagining What Is Possible

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
01:15 - 02:15 PM
Room: TBD

How can the next chapter of universal service preserve its foundational promise while equipping America’s anchor institutions to meet the opportunities and challenges of the next generation? For nearly three decades, the Universal Service Fund, particularly through E-Rate and the Rural Health Care Program, has strengthened America’s schools, libraries, and health care providers. These programs represent one of the nation’s most successful public investments in connectivity, enabling community anchor institutions to educate students, improve health outcomes, expand access to information, and strengthen the communities they serve. This conversation begins from a simple premise: E-Rate and the Rural Health Care Program have been extraordinary successes. The question is not whether they remain essential. The question is how that success should inform the next generation of universal service.

2026 AnchorNets Breakout 02

  • Virdina Gibbs
    Virdina Gibbs
    Director of Government Affairs NTCA
    Speaker
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  • Trent Harkrader
    Principal Trent Harkrader Consulting
    Speaker
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  • Megan Janicki
    Megan Janicki
    Deputy Director, Public Policy & Advocacy American Library Association (ALA)
    Speaker
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  • Adeyinka Ogunlegan
    Adeyinka Ogunlegan
    Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy National Urban League
    Speaker
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  • Narda Jones
    Narda Jones
    Founder and Principal Acacia Hill Strategies
    Moderator
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