Netgear and Eero Get Exemption From FCC's Ban of New Foreign-Made Wi-Fi Routers
The FCC granted exemptions to Netgear and Eero, allowing them to continue selling Wi-Fi routers despite a new ban on foreign-made devices, citing cybersecurity risks linked to past cyberattacks like Salt Typhoon. The ban applies only to new models produced abroad, with 60% of US routers currently manufactured in China, including brands like TP-Link and Asus, which remain affected unless granted approval.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on March 23 that it would ban new Wi-Fi routers produced in foreign countries, citing cybersecurity concerns tied to attacks like Salt Typhoon, which exploited Cisco routers to target US internet providers including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen. However, Netgear and Eero have since received conditional exemptions from the ban, despite their routers being predominantly manufactured overseas. The FCC’s order targets devices where any major stage—manufacturing, assembly, design, or development—occurs outside the US, though existing authorized routers remain unaffected. Nearly 60% of routers sold in the US are manufactured in China, including major brands like TP-Link, Asus, and Netgear, which now face uncertainty under the new rules. TP-Link has been under scrutiny for over a year due to its ties to China, with multiple US agencies reportedly advocating for restrictions. The FCC’s decision follows President Trump-era policies aimed at securing US cyberspace and supply chains, though critics argue the ban may disrupt harmless products without addressing broader cybersecurity gaps. The exemptions for Netgear and Eero highlight the FCC’s selective approach, as other manufacturers like TP-Link and Asus have not yet been granted approval. The ban does not require immediate replacement of existing routers, but new models must either be pre-authorized or fall under exemptions. The FCC’s FAQs clarify that routers produced abroad are considered foreign-made if any critical stage of development or assembly occurs outside the US. Experts warn the ban could have unintended consequences, such as limiting consumer choices without fully mitigating cybersecurity risks. William Budington of the Electronic Frontier Foundation noted that the FCC’s move lacks federal testing infrastructure for consumer routers, partly due to budget cuts. Meanwhile, the FCC continues to emphasize its commitment to protecting US critical infrastructure from foreign threats, referencing past cyberattacks as justification for the restrictions.
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