FCC imposes sweeping ban on foreign-made routers, affecting all new models

The FCC imposes a sweeping ban on all foreign-manufactured routers, effectively gutting the supply chain for brands like TP-Link and D-Link and forcing American buyers to rely on pricier domestic alternatives. The rule, effective July 1, 2026, targets devices with 30% or more foreign components, raising average router prices by an estimated 45% compared to last year. Domestic manufacturers like Netgear report a 200% increase in pre-orders, though stocks remain limited. The ban's impact is quantified at $1.2 billion in potential consumer cost increases over the next 12 months.