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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission granted large cable internet service providers a limited one-year waiver allowing manufacturers to replace certain parts in previously approved consumer routers without new certification. The waiver followed an NCTA request warning that the FCC’s earlier restrictions on foreign-made consumer routers could trigger shortages and supply-chain disruption, and it permits changes such as substrate materials and memory modules so existing models can stay in production. The FCC said the broader policy was driven by national security concerns, including evidence that routers have been used in hacking campaigns by actors including Chinese state-linked groups, while previously extending the deadline for software and firmware support on already approved devices until 2029-01-01.
The policy shift comes as scrutiny of router vendors intensifies, including a new Netgear counterclaim against TP-Link in Delaware federal court alleging false advertising over TP-Link’s portrayal of itself as an American company and its representations about product origin. Netgear argues TP-Link’s California reincorporation did not sever core ties to China-based leadership, R&D, and manufacturing, while TP-Link has accused Netgear of improperly linking it to cyber activity associated with the Typhoon threat groups. The dispute is unfolding alongside reviews by the Department of Defense, Commerce Department, FCC, FTC, and state attorneys general, underscoring how supply-chain security, vendor provenance, and router abuse in espionage campaigns are shaping U.S. broadband and device policy.
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The FCC previously delayed the cutoff date for software and firmware updates for already approved routers until Jan. 1, 2029.
The FCC granted a limited one-year waiver allowing large cable ISPs and manufacturers to substitute certain components in previously approved consumer routers without recertification after NCTA warned of shortages and supply-chain disruption.
The FCC imposed a ban in March on foreign-made consumer routers, citing national security concerns and findings that hackers, including Chinese nation-state actors, had used routers in hacking campaigns.
In November, TP-Link sued Netgear, accusing it of running a smear campaign and falsely linking TP-Link to cyberattacks associated with the Typhoon threat groups.
Netgear's June 11 counterclaims said TP-Link reincorporated in California in 2024 but argued the move did not materially separate the company from its China-based operations.
TP-Link's November lawsuit said Netgear had breached a 2024 settlement that ended patent litigation between the companies for $135 million.
On June 11, Netgear filed counterclaims in federal court in Delaware alleging false advertising and deceptive trade practices tied to TP-Link's claims about independence from China and product origin.
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The FCC issued new rules restricting routers produced in foreign countries unless they receive **Conditional Approval** from the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security, according to discussion citing FCC documentation and the agency’s supply chain covered list. The policy was described as limiting use of foreign-made networking equipment while creating an exception process tied to U.S. government review and commitments around domestic manufacturing. The move drew criticism on the NANOG mailing list, where operators argued that few routers are truly manufactured in the United States and that assembly location does little to improve security compared with software provenance and supply-chain assurance. Participants also linked the policy debate to a recent U.S. law enforcement disruption of major IoT DDoS botnets that the Department of Justice called the world’s largest, crediting the FBI Alaska field office and network operators for helping dismantle infrastructure behind record-breaking attacks against victims worldwide.
Jun 29, 2026
The FCC has added all new foreign-made consumer routers to its **Covered List**, blocking their import and sale in the United States after a White House-led interagency review found they pose an unacceptable national security and public safety risk. U.S. officials said overseas-manufactured routers could be exploited to disrupt the economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense, and linked the concern to activity associated with **Volt Typhoon**, **Flax Typhoon**, and **Salt Typhoon**, which have targeted U.S. networks and infrastructure. The restrictions apply to new devices rather than routers already authorized for sale, meaning existing products can continue to be imported, sold, and used for now. Foreign manufacturers may still seek approval, but must provide detailed disclosures on ownership, supply chains, software and firmware provenance, and any plans to shift critical component production to the United States. The move is expected to tighten availability of new router models and raise costs, while critics argue it does not solve broader router security problems such as insecure firmware, weak patching, compromised update systems, and supply-chain exposure that can persist regardless of where hardware is assembled.
Jun 29, 2026
Multiple US federal agencies, including the Commerce, Justice, Defense, and Homeland Security departments, have backed a proposal to ban the sale of TP-Link routers in the United States. The move is driven by concerns that TP-Link, which controls a significant share of the US home router market, may still be subject to influence by the Chinese government, potentially exposing American users to surveillance risks. The proposal follows an investigation into the company's ties to China and comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign technology firms over national security issues. Officials argue that mitigation measures short of a ban would not sufficiently address the perceived threat, although there is a possibility for TP-Link to provide guarantees that its hardware and software are developed independently of China. The company, which has established a US headquarters and claims to have separated from its Chinese parent, denies the allegations. The proposed ban could have sweeping implications for both consumers and businesses, echoing previous US actions against foreign technology providers such as Kaspersky Lab.
Jul 6, 2026