FCC portable hotspots consumer routers National Security Determination foreign-made devices

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has clarified that its sweeping ban on foreign-made consumer routers also applies to portable hotspot devices, according to an updated FAQ section published this week.

What Devices Are Affected?

The new FAQ section, titled "Is my device a consumer-grade router under the National Security Determination?", specifies that the ban covers:

  • Consumer-grade portable or mobile MiFi Wi-Fi devices for residential use.
  • Hotspot devices intended for consumer use.

The FCC explicitly states that the ban does not include mobile phones with built-in hotspot features.

What Does This Mean for Manufacturers?

Companies producing consumer hotspot devices must now obtain government exemptions to import and sell any new hotspot models that have not previously received FCC approval. This requirement mirrors the restrictions already in place for routers.

Devices that have already been approved for sale in the U.S. may continue to be imported and sold without requiring a special exemption.

Background on the FCC Ban

The FCC's ban on foreign-made consumer routers was introduced under the National Security Determination to mitigate risks associated with potential foreign surveillance or cybersecurity threats. The expanded rules now bring portable hotspots under the same regulatory scrutiny.

Source: Ars Technica
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