FCC Grants Netgear Conditional Approval For Routers

Exemption allows company to sell foreign-made models through 2027

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:06pm

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An extreme close-up of a minimalist, geometric Wi-Fi router with smooth matte surfaces and subtle metallic accents, conceptually representing the FCC's conditional approval of Netgear's foreign-made consumer networking devices.The FCC's conditional approval allows Netgear to continue innovating its consumer router lineup while addressing national security concerns around foreign-made networking equipment.San Jose Today

The FCC has granted Netgear a conditional exemption from its ban on foreign-made consumer routers, allowing the company to continue selling new router models manufactured outside the U.S. through October 1, 2027. This exemption covers a wide range of Netgear's future Wi-Fi, mesh, mobile, and cable gateway products, though the company must still receive individual FCC certifications for each device.

Why it matters

The FCC's router ban was intended to address national security concerns around foreign-made networking equipment, but this exemption suggests Netgear's products do not pose such risks. The conditional approval gives Netgear an 18-month window to get FCC certification for future router models, maintaining consumer choice in the market.

The details

The Defense Department reviewed Netgear's application and found the company's products "do not pose risks to US national security." The exemption covers a large range of Netgear's future Wi-Fi, mesh, mobile, and cable gateway router models, spanning the R, RAX, RAXE, RS, MK, MR, M, MH, RBK, RBE, RBR, RBRE, LBR, LBK, CBK, CAX, and CM series. While the exemption is not a full green light, it allows Netgear to go through the normal FCC equipment authorization process for each new device, with a deadline of October 1, 2027 to receive certification.

  • The FCC granted Netgear the conditional exemption on April 14, 2026.
  • The exemption lasts until October 1, 2027, giving Netgear an 18-month period to receive FCC certifications for future router models.

The players

Netgear

A networking equipment company based in San Jose, California, that manufactures consumer routers and other networking devices, primarily in Asia.

FCC

The Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

U.S. Department of Defense

The executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national security and the U.S. Armed Forces.

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What’s next

Netgear must now go through the FCC's normal equipment authorization process for each new router model it plans to sell in the U.S., with a deadline of October 1, 2027 to receive certification for those devices.

The takeaway

This conditional FCC exemption allows Netgear to continue offering consumer choice in the router market, while still addressing national security concerns around foreign-made networking equipment. It suggests the government views Netgear's products as posing minimal risk, and provides the company an 18-month window to get future models certified for sale in the U.S.