FCC Grants First Exemption to Foreign-Made Router Ban: Netgear

USA - Ekhbary News Agency

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented a ban on new Wi-Fi router models manufactured outside the United States, aiming to bolster the security of U.S. cyberspace and critical infrastructure. In a significant development, Netgear, a U.S.-founded company, has become the first to be granted an exemption, despite its routers being produced in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

This ban does not necessitate the immediate replacement of existing, already authorized routers. However, it will prevent the sale of new models that have not received FCC authorization. Given that many popular router brands, including TP-Link and Asus, have manufacturing processes or assembly occurring overseas, particularly in China, this ruling could reshape the market. The FCC defines a router as foreign-made if any major stage of its production, including design and development, takes place abroad. This move is part of a broader initiative to secure digital supply chains and protect consumers from potential cyber threats, such as those linked to past cyberattacks like Salt Typhoon.

Ekhbary News Agency