Netgear and Eero Wi-Fi routers displayed with an FCC exemption document in a professional office setting.
Netgear and Eero Wi-Fi routers displayed with an FCC exemption document in a professional office setting.
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Netgear and Eero gain exemptions from FCC foreign router ban

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The Federal Communications Commission has granted exemptions to Netgear and Eero from its ban on new foreign-made Wi-Fi routers. The move follows the original March 23 order that targeted devices with manufacturing or design outside the United States. Firmware updates for existing models will continue until at least January 1, 2029.

The FCC announced the ban on March 23, citing national security risks tied to cyberattacks including Salt Typhoon. Nearly all routers sold in the US involve foreign components, but the exemptions allow Netgear and Eero to sell new models while they shift manufacturing processes onshore.

Watu wanasema nini

Users welcomed the exemptions for Netgear and Eero allowing continued US sales and firmware updates until 2029, viewing them as practical relief from the FCC ban. Some posts highlighted Netgear as the first recipient and Eero joining soon after, calling it good news for consumers. Others expressed skepticism about the selective approvals and questioned why manufacturing shifts to the US were not required. Neutral tech accounts noted the ban's softening with extended deadlines but urged caution on new purchases.

Makala yanayohusiana

Illustration depicting FCC ban on new foreign-made routers due to security risks, featuring banned router, US flag, and production shift to America.
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FCC bans new foreign-made routers as security risk

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The Federal Communications Commission announced on March 23, 2026, that new consumer-grade routers manufactured outside the US pose an unacceptable national security risk and will be added to its Covered List. The ban applies to sales of new models but spares existing and previously authorized routers. Manufacturers may seek exemptions by planning to shift production to the US.

Following the FCC's March 23 announcement banning sales of new Wi-Fi routers with major foreign manufacturing due to security risks, companies like TP-Link and Netgear have responded with production shift plans, while experts cite threats like Salt Typhoon and warn of update cutoffs after March 1, 2027. No exemptions granted yet; Starlink routers appear unaffected.

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One week after the FCC banned sales of new foreign-made Wi-Fi routers over national security risks, new details emerge on implicated cyberattacks and growing criticism of the broad policy's effectiveness.

Zyxel has issued a warning about a critical remote code execution (RCE) security flaw that could affect more than a dozen of its routers. The company has addressed a handful of concerning vulnerabilities in its devices. This update comes as part of ongoing efforts to secure networking equipment.

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After testing 34 routers, CNET Labs found Wi-Fi 7 models deliver the highest throughput at 3,169Mbps across bands, far surpassing Wi-Fi 6E's 1,309Mbps. The author, once skeptical, now recommends tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers for future-proofing amid rising data use. Prices have dropped, with good options under $200.

Colorado's Senate Business, Labor, and Technology committee unanimously advanced bill SB26-090 on Friday, which would exempt information technology equipment for critical infrastructure from the state's consumer right-to-repair laws. The measure modifies a 2024 law effective this year, drawing support from tech firms like Cisco and IBM amid opposition from repair advocates. The bill now heads to full Senate and House votes, possibly next week.

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On rooftops in Havana, Matanzas and Santa Clara, affluent Cubans are secretly installing Starlink dishes to access stable internet, bypassing the state ban and Etecsa's monopoly. Professionals like programmers rely on smuggled equipment powered by solar batteries amid blackouts and unreliable connections. Elon Musk confirmed on March 16 that the service works in Cuba, though it is not authorized.

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