FCC Router Ban Threatens Top Wi-Fi Brands Used by Millions of Americans
Speedtest.net data reveals the most popular Wi-Fi router brands in the US, many of which could face trouble licensing new models without an FCC exemption.
A proposed Federal Communications Commission rule could disrupt the router market and leave some of the most widely used Wi-Fi brands scrambling to license new models for sale in the United States. Data from Speedtest.net now sheds light on exactly which brands stand to be hit hardest.
The FCC has been moving toward restrictions that would limit or effectively ban routers using certain wireless chipsets tied to Chinese manufacturers. Without an exemption, brands that rely on these components could be barred from certifying new models for the US market, creating significant supply chain headaches.
According to Speedtest.net usage data, the most popular router brands in the United States include TP-Link, Netgear, Asus, Linksys, and Eero, among others. TP-Link, which holds a commanding share of the US consumer router market, has drawn particular scrutiny given its Chinese ownership and has already faced separate national security investigations.
Brands like Netgear and Asus also source components from suppliers that could fall within the scope of the proposed restrictions, meaning their product pipelines may face disruption even if the companies themselves are not the primary targets of the rule.
Industry analysts warn that a broad application of the ban could reduce consumer choice, drive up prices, and slow the rollout of next-generation Wi-Fi 7 hardware, much of which depends on chipsets from manufacturers now under regulatory pressure.
The FCC has signaled it may offer a pathway for exemptions, but the criteria remain unclear. Router manufacturers and industry groups have been lobbying aggressively for a narrow and clearly defined rule that targets genuine security threats without sweeping up legitimate commercial products.
For consumers, the immediate practical impact may be limited, as existing routers would not be affected. However, anyone planning to upgrade their home network in the coming years could find fewer options on store shelves and potentially higher prices as the supply chain adjusts.
The situation remains fluid, with a final FCC ruling not yet confirmed. Consumers and industry players alike are being advised to monitor developments closely as the commission works toward a decision that could reshape the American router market for years to come.