FCC Extends Device Restrictions to Routers, Drones and Robot Vacuums
The US regulator's restricted list now covers overseas-made consumer routers and advanced robots, with TP-Link struggling to launch new models, The Verge reports.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has widened its import and sales restrictions on foreign-made electronics beyond telecom equipment to include drones, consumer routers, advanced robots such as robot vacuums, and power inverters, according to The Verge.
The restrictions were introduced in stages. Foreign-made drones were added to the restricted category in December last year, consumer routers produced overseas followed in March this year, and advanced robots and power inverters were added in July this year, covering robot vacuums and robot lawnmowers that meet certain conditions.
Products on the list generally cannot obtain US sales approval for new models. Devices that have already been approved may continue to be sold or used.
The effect on manufacturers varies. Netgear and ASUS received conditional approval for some router products, while TP-Link is struggling to launch new products. TP-Link has proposed investing about 1 billion dollars to produce routers in the US.
Background
For about a decade, the US has designated Chinese telecom equipment makers Huawei and ZTE as national security threats and restricted approval of their new equipment. US telecom carriers were required to remove and replace existing Huawei and ZTE equipment, but some have not yet completed the replacement.
Quick answers
Which devices are covered by the new FCC restrictions?
Foreign-made drones, consumer routers produced overseas, advanced robots including robot vacuums and robot lawnmowers meeting certain conditions, and power inverters.
Can products already approved still be sold in the US?
Yes. Products already approved may continue to be sold or used, but new models on the list generally cannot obtain US sales approval.
How is TP-Link responding?
TP-Link has proposed investing about 1 billion dollars to produce routers in the US, while Netgear and ASUS have received conditional approval for some router products.