THE FCC has eased some restrictions on foreign-made consumer routers, allowing vendors to continue issuing software and firmware updates for devices already deployed in the US through at least 11 January 2029, according to the agency. The move modifies a March 2026 ruling that prohibited foreign manufacturers from selling new consumer router models in the US, though it keeps the ban in place for new products.
The agency also extended the maintenance window, allowing not just minor patches but more substantial updates that could alter router functionality, subject to FCC review. The revisions are described by the FCC as a pragmatic compromise intended to ensure the continued safety of already deployed foreign-made routers while giving users time to find alternatives.
Analysts note that almost all consumer-grade routers available in the US are made by foreign manufacturers, and industry voices emphasise that the wider security challenges lie in operational practices and patch hygiene rather than manufacturing origin.