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FCC Exempts Netgear from Router Ban
14 Apr
Summary
- Netgear gains FCC exemption for foreign-made routers.
- Defense Department found Netgear's products pose no security risks.
- Exemption lasts until October 1, 2027, covering many future models.
The FCC has granted Netgear a significant exemption from its recent ban on foreign-made routers. This allows the company to continue selling new Wi-Fi and mesh router models to consumers, despite their offshore manufacturing. The Defense Department reviewed Netgear's application and concluded that its products do not pose risks to US national security.
This conditional approval is valid until October 1, 2027, and covers a wide array of Netgear's future Wi-Fi models. Netgear highlighted this as a recognition of its commitment to rigorous security standards. Adtran, another US company specializing in networking gear, also received a similar conditional approval for its Service Delivery Gateway routers.
The exemption process considers company leadership, foreign ownership ties, and plans for US-based manufacturing. Other brands like TP-Link, facing scrutiny due to Chinese ties, are awaiting similar relief. Existing models from TP-Link, Asus, and Amazon's Eero can still be sold, but software updates for foreign-made routers are slated to end by March 1, 2027.
Netgear expressed support for the FCC's ban, emphasizing its alignment with a security-first approach. The company will not be subject to the March 1, 2027, deadline for ceasing software updates as long as its conditional approval remains active. Netgear currently manufactures its consumer router products in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, and has ceased procuring components from China.
