FCC exempts Netgear from ban. Transparency? Also banned.

Netgear just became the first major consumer-router brand to win an exemption from the Trump FCC’s sweeping ban on foreign-made routers. The agency approved Netgear’s Nighthawk, Orbi, and cable gateways but offered zero explanation why.

The exemption process is opaque. Under rules set last month, the FCC will no longer approve consumer routers made even partly outside the US unless DoD or DHS signs off. Netgear, a US based company, moved quickly through the multi-agency review. CEO CJ Prober says it gives “peace of mind.”

But critics note: the FCC didn’t say what justification Netgear submitted, nor its “time-bound plan” to expand US manufacturing. And the exemption only lasts until Oct 1, 2027 with renewal required. The Trump admin also reserves the right to block security patches.

Adtran, which sells service-delivery gateways, got a similar exemption. Yet the FCC gave no reason to believe these companies’ routers are more secure than others. Notably, the ban applies only to consumer gear, not the enterprise routers that arguably pose bigger national security targets.

Industry says virtually every new router will need an exemption. According to the Global Electronics Association: “Even US-headquartered brands rely on overseas contract manufacturers… Wi-Fi chipsets from TSMC in Taiwan, capacitors from Japan, PCBs from China/Taiwan.” Amazon (Eero), Google (Nest WiFi), Linksys, Ubiquiti all affected.

The only major router that might escape? SpaceX’s Starlink router, assembled in Texas but sold as part of the satellite kit, not standalone. Meanwhile, Chinese-origin brands like TP-Link (relocated to US in 2024) may face “presumptive denial” based on how drone exemptions have been handled.

The trade group warns of supply shocks. Existing approved stock may last only 3-6 months. After that, “constrained selection and delayed access to next-gen products” just as Wi-Fi 7 adoption should accelerate. Smaller manufacturers could get crushed by the paperwork and onshoring costs.

Bottom line: The FCC has created a discretionary, fast-track approval system that favors large US-based brands with resources to lobby and shift supply chains. Consumers may see fewer choices and higher prices, with no public evidence that the approved routers are actually safer.