FCC’s Foreign-Made Router Ban Could Narrow US Options and Push Up Prices

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has floated a prohibition on selling consumer routers assembled outside the United States, arguing that there is an “unacceptable risk to national security” and to the safety of U.S. residents. The move follows high-profile cyberattacks, with the agency asserting that routers produced overseas were directly linked to some incidents.

Our current prize picks for home Wi‑Fi are dominated by brands such as TP‑Link (Chinese), Asus (Taiwanese), and Acer (Taiwanese). If the ban goes into effect, new devices from these manufacturers could be barred from U.S. retailers, limiting options for new buyers.

Netgear, a U.S.-based company, would still count as an American brand, but much of its manufacturing is carried out abroad—primarily in Southeast Asia after a shift away from China to dodge tariffs. Additionally, Netgear devices commonly rely on Realtek chips, which are produced in Taiwan. Since the FCC highlighted a ban on foreign-made radios used in routers, Netgear’s lineup could face restrictions even if the company remains publicly buoyant.

So what does this mean for shoppers? In the short term, there’s a chance that the pool of affordable, widely available routers could shrink, particularly if cheaper models from major international brands disappear from shelves. The agency also suggested a possible “conditional approval” pathway for future devices, though specifics on what this would entail are not yet clear.

There’s a real chance that Americans will face higher prices or delayed access to newer router tech as manufacturers reconfigure supply chains and consider domestic production. And it’s not just new units—people who rely on the default router included with their broadband service may also feel the impact if ISPs need to swap devices to comply with the ban. Those costs could be passed along in higher monthly bills or in the device price itself.

If you’re tempted to look for a workaround, there are a few paths manufacturers could pursue. One option would be relocating or resuming manufacturing in the United States, though that would be time-consuming and expensive, potentially lifting prices. The FCC’s “conditional approval” route could also give certain future routers a pathway to sale, but the details remain uncertain.

In the meantime, don’t panic. The ban applies to new devices; existing routers will keep working as they always have. If you’re thinking about upgrading soon, you may want to act a bit sooner rather than later, but avoid rushing a decision. Our buying guide and price comparison tools can help you compare current options while you still have a broader field to choose from.

Security basics still matter. Even with fewer new devices, maintaining strong Wi‑Fi practices helps mitigate risk: use a strong network password, enable a robust admin password, keep firmware up to date, and run reputable antivirus software on connected devices. Remember, the cited cyberattacks targeted institutions with greater resources; a typical family router is far less likely to be an easy or high‑value target.

If you’re curious about broader trends, this shift could eventually spark a domestic router manufacturing surge. But turning that tide will take time, and the resulting devices are likely to come at a premium. For now, the prudent move is to stay informed, weigh your upgrade options carefully, and consider acting sooner rather than later—especially if you’re currently on a plan with an older router.

Matt, TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, has long covered computing and PC hardware, bringing hands-on experience from reviewing hundreds of laptops and accessories. He’ll keep tracking developments as the FCC’s stance and industry responses unfold.