The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has suspended the approval process for new Wi-Fi routers built outside the U.S., which in practice prevents them from being sold on the American market. The decision primarily affects devices manufactured in China and stems from concerns over the security of telecom infrastructure.
Any radio device sold in the U.S. must receive FCC certification. Without it, a router simply can’t hit the market. By freezing that process, regulators are stopping new models in their tracks – even if they’re fully ready from a technical standpoint.
The FCC points to risks linked to hardware produced by companies with ties to foreign governments. The U.S. has taken similar steps in recent years against firms like Huawei and ZTE, and this move extends that approach to additional categories, including networking equipment used in homes and small businesses.
This could have a direct impact on consumers. A large share of routers sold in the U.S. is manufactured in China, even when they carry American brand names. Halting certification may limit the availability of new devices and put upward pressure on prices.
There are still companies that design hardware in the U.S. or partially manufacture it domestically, though most rely on global supply chains. Well-known names include Cisco, NETGEAR, and Ubiquiti – but even these firms depend, at least in part, on overseas production.
It’s not clear how long the certification freeze will last or whether it will apply to all new devices. The move fits into broader tech tensions between the U.S. and China, as well as ongoing efforts to tighten control over critical digital infrastructure.