FCC ban on non-U.S. made routers threatens open-source firmware projects
By
pabs3
Master baker tier. Every paragraph earns its place on the tray.
Summary
The FCC has banned the sale of all new home router models not manufactured in the U.S., effectively halting the sale of virtually all consumer routers. The ban, justified on national security grounds, allows for a "Conditional Approval" exemption process requiring manufacturers to submit detailed plans to establish U.S.-based production. This has significant implications for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) router projects like OpenWrt, DD-WRT, and pfSense, as it restricts the hardware available for open-source firmware and could stifle innovation in the router ecosystem.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledRouters 'pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the U.S. or the safety and security of U.S. persons.'
A router manufacturer can apply for a 'Conditional Approval' exemption to try and convince U.S. government bodies that their router should be allowed into the U.S., but this requires 'A detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand'
The ban effectively covers all new models of home routers not made in the U.S., which is ... all of them.
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