NCTA seeks second exemption from FCC’s router ban

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NCTA seeks second exemption from FCC’s router ban


The docket for the FCC’s ban on new, foreign-made consumer routers continues to be active.

NCTA–The Internet & Television Association recently filed a fresh request with the FCC for an expedited waiver for potential, minor hardware changes that need to be made to previously approved “covered” broadband routers.

Under the FCC’s ban, which took effect in March, makers of broadband modems, gateways and routers (and certain broadband service providers) are now required to secure conditional approvals for new models. The ban also applies to previously approved, foreign-made “covered” broadband routers that implement changes to memory or other components. Products on the FCC’s covered list include equipment or services deemed a risk to US national security.

In June, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology approved an earlier expedited waiver sought by the NCTA that focused on relatively small changes to routers, including alterations to memory modules and other types of substitute “substrate materials.” The FCC has previously approved similar waivers from AT&T and Sercomm.

Related:FCC OKs cable’s petition for expedited waiver for broadband routers

NCTA’s more recent expedited waiver request, filed on September 9, is focused on what it views as routine, non-RF hardware changes to previously authorized covered routers. Notably, NCTA’s latest petition also puts a bit more focus on changes to existing routers that might be needed when certain components reach end-of-life. With an expedited waiver, such changes could be made more rapidly without getting bogged down in approval processes.

New petition is broader in scope

In an emailed response to questions, NCTA told Light Reading that the FCC waiver granted in June was indeed narrower in scope than its latest request. The more recent request provides a general framework for routine, non-RF hardware changes to previously authorized routers so as to avoid having to return to the FCC for individual wavers as particular component issues arise.

The petition notes that NCTA and its members, which include most major US cable operators, are looking to “navigate unavoidable and sometimes unpredictable supply chain constraints” while still preserving the security objectives of the ban.

The petition also points to rising costs across multiple materials categories, including copper, silver, gold, copper foil and PCB laminate (the stuff used to bond multiple layers of a printed circuit board).

“NCTA members expect that their suppliers will need to make these hardware substitutions, component removals, and other permissible hardware changes on an ongoing basis due to component end-of-life events, supply chain constraints, and evolving manufacturing requirements. Moreover, we are seeking expedited treatment of this waiver request because, given the dynamic nature of the market, these needs can arise with limited notice,” NCTA said in the petition.

Related:FCC exempts new Starlink devices from router ban

As for the issue, NCTA cited a Vyrian study from January finding that hundreds of thousands of components are now reaching that phase annually, with many components discontinued without adequate notice.

NCTA and its members “need flexibility to substitute like-for-like components in existing, certified router designs to ensure that our ISP members can continue to deliver world-class broadband to consumers,” the organization added.

Who’s doing what?

Based on FCC data and Light Reading research, here’s a roundup of companies and organizations that have been granted or are seeking conditional approvals and/or expedited waivers, and the current status of those requests:

  • ACA Connects/NTCA: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.

  • Actiontec Electronics: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.

  • Adtran: Conditional approval granted for Service Delivery Gateway-class routers. Good through October 1, 2027.

  • Alpha Networks: Conditional approval granted for 1700 and 2700 series of routers. Good through November 22, 2027.

  • Arcadyan Technology: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 26, 2027.

  • Arcadyan Technology: Conditional approval granted for several CPE for T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Good through December 12, 2027.

  • Askey Computer Corp.: Expedited waiver granted. Good through September 16, 2027.

  • Askey Computer Corp.: Conditional approval for the ASK-NCM1100, ASK-NCM1100E, ASK-NMC300 and ASK-NCQ8000 (Wi-Fi 8 gateways). Good through February 3, 2028.

  • Asus: Conditional approval for multiple router models, repeaters and access points (RT Router Series, ROG GT Series, ROG Strix GS Series, TUF Gaming Series, ExpertWiFi Series, ZenWiFi Mesh Series, 5G MiFi Series). Good through March 6, 2028.

  • AT&T: Expedited waiver granted. Good through May 15, 2027.

  • Calix: Conditional approval granted for a handful of broadband routers, including GigaSpire-class routers (7u6m.2, 7u4txg, 7u4, 7u6.2) and the GigaPro 7p6. All are good through November 22, 2027.

  • Comtrend: Conditional approval granted for several wireless router models (GRG-4366u, VG-8043u, PBL-6201 and NL-3131). Good through March 6, 2028.

  • eero/Amazon: Conditional approval granted for several eero devices and Amazon Leo routers. Good through October 31, 2027.

  • Gemtek: Conditional approval granted for the WRTQ-411BE and WNRFQQ-113BE routers. Good through January 3, 2028.

  • Gryphon Online Safety: Conditional approval granted for the Parental Control Wi-Fi router. Good through January 10, 2028.

  • Hitron: Conditional approval granted for a group of DOCSIS 4.0, DOCSIS 3.1 and FWA devices, including gateways, routers and hotspots.

Related:FCC disrupts home broadband with sweeping foreign router ban

  • Humax Networks: HNR2306 and HNRM30 Wi-Fi 7 routers. Good through January 17, 2028.

  • Miri Technologies: Conditional approval granted for the Miri X10 Travel Router. Good through December 12, 2027.

  • NCTA: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 9, 2027.

  • NCTA: Seeking an additional expedited waiver that is broader in scope than the one approved in June 2027. Awaiting approval.

  • Netgear: Conditional approval granted for several “Nighthawk” mesh, mobile and standalone routers. Good through October 1, 2027.

  • Nokia: Conditional approval granted for multiple wireless routers and “Beacon” routers. Good through October 31, 2027.

  • Sagemcom: Conditional approval granted for a handful of FAST-branded routers (FAST3994, FAST3897, FAST5698, FAST5699 and FAST5999), including a new DOCSIS 4.0 device. Good through December 5, 2027.

  • Sercomm: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 9, 2027.

  • Sercomm: Conditional approval for the Air4992 Wi-Fi 7 router. Good through January 10, 2028.

  • SpaceX: Starlink routers (models not specified). Good through February 1, 2028.

  • USTelecom: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.

  • Vantiva: Conditional approval granted for the CWA438TX, DOCSIS 3.1+ modem with VoIP support. Good through January 8, 2028.

  • Vantiva: Filed petition for expedited waiver on July 29, 2026. Petition is pending.

  • Vantiva: Filed petition for expedited waiver on August 17, 2026, for an expedited waiver for the BGW620 gateway for deployment by AT&T. Plan is to remove the barometer and the global navigation satellite systems circuitry and its corresponding mechanical components from this previously approved model. Vantiva reasoned that supply chain shortages have made it “impossible” to resource the barometer used in the BGW620. Petition is pending.

  • Verizon: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 26, 2027.

  • WNC: Expedited waiver granted. Good through September 16, 2026.

  • WNC: Conditional approval granted for the LVR5A, LVM9 and LV85C Wi-Fi router models. Good through February 21, 2028.

  • Zyxel Communications: Conditional approval granted for the EE4210-00, EE6610-00 and 5GNR (NR5331) routers. Good through February 3, 2028.