Router ban narrows choices

The FCC updated its Covered List on March 23, 2026 to designate “consumer‑grade routers produced in foreign countries,” which prevents those devices from receiving new FCC equipment authorizations. (docs.fcc.gov) The agency’s public notice (DA‑26‑278) says the move followed a White House‑convened interagency national‑security determination on March 20 and that previously authorized router models can still be imported, sold and used. (docs.fcc.gov) Manufacturers may apply for a “Conditional Approval” from the Department of War (DoW) or the Department of Homeland Security to sell new models, and the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology issued a blanket waiver allowing critical firmware and software updates to continue for existing devices. (docs.fcc.gov) Major consumer brands that rely on overseas manufacturing — including TP‑Link, Linksys, Asus, Netgear, Ubiquiti, Google Nest and Amazon eero — are effectively blocked from launching new U.S. models unless they obtain an exemption or shift production. (zdnet.com) Reporting cited by multiple outlets estimates China‑made kit supplies roughly 60% of the U.S. consumer router market, a concentration analysts say could constrain low‑cost replacement and mesh options for businesses and small‑site deployments. (techcrunch.com) Enterprise networking vendors with large U.S. footprints — Cisco, HPE Aruba and Juniper — dominate the enterprise market and are positioned as likely procurement alternatives for companies seeking equipment with clear U.S. compliance pathways. (verifiedmarketresearch.com) The FCC fact sheet cites botnets and named campaigns (Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon) as justification for the action, and the agency directs manufacturers to submit Conditional Approval applications to conditional‑approvals@fcc.gov as the regulatory path forward. (docs.fcc.gov)