FCC: Router ban includes portable hotspots, but not phones with hotspot features
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) clarified that its ban on foreign-made consumer routers also includes portable hotspot devices but does not cover phones with hotspot features. Companies must get special permission to import and sell new hotspot devices not previously approved by the FCC.Key Facts
- The FCC's ban on foreign-made consumer routers covers portable or mobile MiFi Wi-Fi hotspot devices meant for home use.
- Mobile phones that have hotspot features are not included in the ban.
- Devices already approved and sold in the US before do not need new exemptions to continue being imported or sold.
- The FCC defines routers broadly to include various consumer networking devices like residential routers, LTE/5G customer premises equipment, and residential gateways that combine modem and router functions.
- Industrial, enterprise, and military networking equipment are not affected by the ban.
- Other devices excluded from the ban include analog telephone adapters, femtocells, and optical network terminals.
- The ban comes from a directive by President Donald Trump focused on reducing foreign technology due to national security concerns.
- Netgear and Eero have received exemptions allowing them to continue importing and selling some devices.
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