Skip to content
Tech News
← Back to articles

Why Netgear just got the first FCC router ban exemption in the US

read original get Netgear Nighthawk Router → more articles
Why This Matters

Netgear has become the first router manufacturer to receive an FCC exemption allowing it to sell new routers in the US until 2027, despite the recent ban on foreign-made routers. This exemption highlights a potential pathway for other companies to navigate security concerns while maintaining access to the US market. For consumers, this means continued access to trusted router brands amid ongoing regulatory changes, ensuring network security and stability.

Key Takeaways

MacFormat / Contributor / Getty Images

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

Netgear has gotten FCC approval to sell new routers in the US.

The FCC ban restricts foreign-made routers from import or sale in the US.

Existing Netgear routers will also continue to get updates.

Buying a new router in the US has become a tricky situation thanks to a new government ban on foreign-made routers. Now, one major manufacturer has been cleared for sales in the US, at least for the time being.

Exempted until 2027

Netgear is the first router company to score an exemption from the FCC ban, which was announced late last month. With this exemption in effect, the company now has conditional approval to sell its routers in the US, at least until Oct.1, 2027. The approval covers new consumer router models, including Netgear Nighthawk and Orbi products.

Also: Your router may be vulnerable to Russian hackers, FBI warns: 5 steps to take now

... continue reading