Here’s why the Wi-Fi camp is freaking out about the FCC's new router policy

The Federal Communications Commission has banned the sale of all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries unless the supplier applies for and receives a “Conditional Approval” from the Department of War (DoW) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The problem is, the FCC’s broad definition of “foreign produced” means that it will affect essentially all major broadband consumer-premise equipment (CPE) vendors, whether they operate though the service provider or retail channels, according to Counterpoint Research analyst Taimur Zafar. “This is not just about where a router is assembled; it will include U.S.-branded devices that are designed, developed or materially produced abroad. Under this definition, all major Wi-Fi router vendors will be impacted, with supply chains beginning in countries such as China, Taiwan and Vietnam." As such, Claus Hetting, CEO and chairman of Wi-Fi Now, predicts the FCC’s blanket ban will unleash a litany of damaging consequences.