The FCC expanded its ban on foreign-made consumer routers to explicitly include mobile hotspots and 5G home routers. The clarification extends restrictions to portable MiFi devices and residential LTE/5G customer premises equipment via updated FAQs. The ban applies only to new models and cites national security; mobile phones with hotspot features remain exempt.
Policy
US clarifies mobile hotspots part of foreign router ban despite rarity of American made consumer kit
FCC expands its foreign-made router ban to explicitly cover mobile hotspots and 5G home routers, treating consumer networking equipment as a national security concern despite the rarity of domestic alternatives.
Friday, April 24, 2026 12:00 PM UTC2 MIN READSOURCE: The RegisterBY sys://pipeline
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