Asus Gets FCC Router Green Light After March Blockade

Asus has obtained crucial FCC approval for a wide range of its consumer and small business routers, enabling their sale in the US. This regulatory clearance comes after a period where many routers produced outside the US were blocked. The approval covers various product lines, including gaming routers and mesh systems.

The granted permission provides Asus with an 18-month sales window in the United States, effective from September 9, 2026, through March 6, 2028. This development is significant for Asus as it should also facilitate the launch of their anticipated Wi-Fi 8 hardware.

While Asus has now secured its approval, Netgear was one of the first major brands to receive similar clearance back in April, giving it a notable head start. Other companies like Amazon's Eero and Nokia also have permission to sell their routers in the US.

In contrast, TP-Link is still in the process of obtaining approval and is currently unable to sell new routers in the US. This situation places TP-Link at a competitive disadvantage, especially concerning new Wi-Fi 8 models. The company has faced scrutiny regarding its historical ties to China, with allegations contested by TP-Link, which states its US operations are separate and its equipment has been manufactured in Vietnam since 2018.