[Starlink] Re: FCC declares all new router models illegal

[David Lang <david@lang.hm>]

If they are actually banning FCC certification for anything not built in the US, 
I don't expect it to last very long, the outcry will just be too much.

and if they ban opensource software, they will ban all routers and a lot of 
other stuff as well.

David Lang

On Mon, 23 Mar 2026, Daniel AJ Sokolov via Starlink wrote:

> Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:36:17 -0700
> From: Daniel AJ Sokolov via Starlink <starlink@lists.bufferbloat.net>
> Reply-To: Daniel AJ Sokolov <daniel@falco.ca>
> To: Dave Taht via Starlink <starlink@lists.bufferbloat.net>
> Subject: [Starlink] FCC declares all new router models illegal
> 
> Dear All,
>
> this may be somewhat off topic, but I think you will all want to know this: 
> Today, the FCC has declared that only routers manufactured in the US may 
> obtain valid FCC certification.
>
> "Production generally includes any major stage of the process through which 
> the device is made, including manufacturing, assembly, design, and 
> development."
>
> I am not aware of any consumer grade router that would be considered made in 
> the US under these rules. Are there any?
>
> Are there any routers that work entirely without open source software?
>
> Previously approved routers are still OK - kind of. The challenge there is 
> that software updates are affected by the new restrictions. The FCC has 
> provided an exemption until March 1, 2027, for certain software updates - 
> after that, who knows.
>
> Manufacturers can apply for exemptions, if - and only if - they have a 
> detailed, time-bound "U.S. Manufacturing and Onshoring Plan", Also, they must 
> disclose competition-sensitive information.
>
> For the official documents, start here:
> https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-updates-covered-list-include-foreign-made-consumer-routers
>
> FYI
> Daniel
>
>
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