The FCC has announced a ban on new routers manufactured abroad, citing national security risks. The measure, based on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, affects 60% of routers in the United States, most of which come from China. The decision aims to protect communications infrastructure.
Technical implications and market alternatives 🔧
The ban forces manufacturers and suppliers to seek local production alternatives. An increase in demand for routers assembled in the US is expected, although their price may be higher. Firmware developers will need to adapt to new hardware, verifying the absence of prohibited components. The FCC will periodically review the list of authorized suppliers to prevent vulnerabilities.
Goodbye Chinese router, hello router made in basement 🏠
Now local technicians can sell routers assembled in the garage as a safe alternative. Of course, at double the price and with the promise that they won't spy on your data. What they don't clarify is whether the new home-made router will also fail every time it rains. At least national security is safe, even if your WiFi goes down.