Shelby

Shelby Meyer

DIGITAL DISPATCH
Article #0097
Written March 24, 2026
Updated April 22, 2026
Category [INTERNET]

What the March 23 FCC Router Ban Means for Home Internet Users

On March 23, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a major change that could affect the future of home internet equipment in the United States.

In simple terms:
The FCC is blocking NEW models of routers made outside the U.S. from being approved for sale. To the best of my knowledge, there are few routers made in the USA but some companies are US owned such as Starlink and Adtran.

Why did this happen?

The FCC says the decision is about security. Routers—the small boxes that power your home Wi-Fi—have become a frequent target for hackers. According to the FCC’s official statement, foreign-made routers have been linked to cyberattacks that can:

  • Disrupt home internet connections
  • Enable spying or data theft
  • Provide access points into larger systems

The FCC specifically noted that attackers have used router vulnerabilities to target both households and critical infrastructure.

In their words, foreign-produced routers present “unacceptable risks” to Americans and national security.

What exactly is being banned?

This is where it gets important:

  • This affects NEW router models only
  • Existing routers are NOT banned
  • Previously approved models can still be sold

The FCC clarified:

“Today’s action does not impact a consumer’s continued use of routers they previously acquired.”
So if you already have Wi-Fi at home—nothing suddenly stops working.

Why this matters (even if nothing changes today)

Even though your current router is fine, this decision will have ripple effects:

1. Fewer choices in the future

Most routers are manufactured overseas. That means fewer new models may be available unless companies shift production or get special approval. -- This is the part that has people worried. The US does not have the manufacturing infrastructure to produce the chips. Infrastructure must be built from the ground up. Smaller router manufacturers may be shut out entirely.

2. Price increases

With supply changes, the RAM shortage and fewer manufacturers, router prices are almost certain to rise over time.

3. Industry shake-up

Companies will need to:

  • Move manufacturing to the U.S.
  • potentially, redesign products
  • Or leave the U.S. market entirely

4. More focus on security

This could push manufacturers to build routers that are easier to update and more secure out of the box.

What should home users do right now?
For most people, the answer is simple: nothing urgent.

However, this is a good reminder to:

  • Keep your router firmware updated
  • Replace very old routers (5+ years)
  • Use strong Wi-Fi passwords
  • Avoid unknown or off-brand networking gear
  • Do your research before purchasing a new router

The biggest real-world risk isn’t where your router was made—it’s whether it’s kept updated and properly secured.

Bottom line

The FCC’s March 23 decision isn’t about shutting off your internet—it’s about changing what gets sold in the future. For now, your home network keeps working as usual. But over the next year or two, you may notice fewer choices, higher prices, and a stronger emphasis on secure networking equipment.

Approval List as of April 2026

I will try and keep this list updated as much as possible. However it may be incomplete. Consult each companies website for the most up to date information on specific models as this is changing daily.

Netgear - Approved (Conditional Approval Granted)
This was the first company to be EXEMPTED from the new rule. Netgear's line of foreign made consumer routers was approved for use within the USA until 2027. No explanation was given as to why the exemption was granted so quickly.

TP-Link - Not Yet Approved
A request has been made for conditional approval. The company has separated from its parent company and is now partially US owned. We think this is unlikely to happen without testing given the history of these devices.

GL.iNet - In Progress
Mudi 7 (GL-E5800): This model has already received FCC certification.
Slate 7 Pro (GL-BE10000) & Flint 4: These new models have not yet been granted FCC certification.

Eero - Approved (Conditional Approval Granted)

Linksys - Not Yet Approved

ASUS - Not Yet Approved

Ubiquiti - Not Yet Approved

Starlink - Approved (Unaffected by Ban)

Adtran - Approved (Conditional Approval Granted)

Cisco - Many of their products are not classified as typical home routers, which may keep them outside the main scope of the ban.

SonicWall - Many of their products are not classified as typical home routers, which may keep them outside the main scope of the ban.