In a recent move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the import of all future consumer routers made outside the United States. This decision follows a similar ban on foreign-made drones, highlighting national security concerns.
The FCC justified this ban by citing ‘an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.’ While existing routers can still be used, new imports of foreign-made consumer routers are prohibited, as the FCC will no longer authorize their radios.
Router manufacturers now face the challenge of either obtaining ‘conditional approval’ to continue importing products while transitioning manufacturing to the US or opting out of the US market entirely. This ban parallels the one on drones and is supported by a National Security Determination that highlights the risks posed by foreign-made routers to critical American infrastructure.
This decision by the FCC raises questions about the future of consumer networking gear in the US and the potential impact on the industry as a whole. It underscores the importance of domestic manufacturing and the role of technology in safeguarding national security.
Source: The Verge