FCC Just Banned Foreign-Made Routers From the US

The FCC has banned all consumer routers manufactured outside the United States from being imported, unless makers get a special exemption. The agency cited “an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”

This mirrors a December move where the FCC blocked foreign-made drones under the same reasoning. The router ban applies to future imports only—if you already own a Wi-Fi or wired router, you can keep using it. Companies that have already received FCC approval aren’t affected.

The ban effectively blocks gear from major manufacturers with overseas production, potentially reshaping which routers Americans can buy going forward.

Based on reporting from The Verge.