The FCC Extends a Key Wi-Fi Router Deadline. Here’s Why I’d Still Hold Off on Buying a New One

Foreign-made Wi-Fi routers will continue receiving security patches until at least Jan. 1, 2029, but this doesn't eliminate the long-term risk of buying an outdated device.

5 min read

Prospective router customers just got a little more breathing room, as the Federal Communications Commission will allow foreign-made routers to continue receiving software and firmware updates until at least Jan. 1, 2029, according to an extension announced on May 8.

When the FCC announced its sweeping ban of foreign-made Wi-Fi routers on March 23, it said companies could continue issuing security patches only to previously approved models until March 1, 2027. As nearly every router available in the US is considered “foreign-made” by the FCC’s standards, this left US customers facing the prospect of buying a new router only to find out it could become outdated within a year.

“A large percentage of networking routers are not produced in the United...

Copyright of this story solely belongs to cnet.com. To see the full text click HERE