FCC expands ban on foreign-made WiFi routers to include hotspots and 5G access points

The Federal Communications Commission has expanded its ban on the import and sale of foreign-made WiFi routers to include portable WiFi hotspots and fixed 5G wireless access points. The ban, which began about a month ago, initially covered new foreign-made WiFi routers. The updated FAQ now adds portable hotspots, small boxes that use a SIM card to connect to a cellular network and convert it to WiFi for other devices. It also covers fixed 5G wireless access points, which use a 5G cell network to blanket a home with WiFi. Using a smartphone to create a mobile WiFi hotspot remains allowed under the regulations. T-Mobile told PCMag that the FCC's regulations do not prohibit the sale of networking equipment that was already approved for sale in the U.S. prior to the ban. The expanded ban is unlikely to affect most users in the short term, as ISPs typically supply older routers and most people do not voluntarily switch them out. However, it could become a nuisance for power users who want better performance or more features.