The FCC has extended the deadline for software and firmware updates on foreign-made routers from March 2027 to January 2029, potentially making the waiver permanent. This comes after the agency's March ban on new foreign router hardware sales in the US, citing national security concerns. The extension provides relief to consumers and manufacturers while maintaining the core hardware restrictions.
Background
The FCC implemented a ban on new foreign-made routers in March 2024, citing national security concerns, which affected most router manufacturers except those receiving special exemptions like Netgear and Eero. The ban initially included restrictions on software updates for existing devices.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- May 12, 2026 at 04:48 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10