US Router Ban
Read the official government announcement here.
Act Now
Keep in mind that few consumer networking devices are fully manufactured in the US, so this ban effectively applies to most systems that are on the market.
This is a huge potential impact on all the businesses and the entire market we serve. Let’s be clear though, the ban does not affect any computer networking equipment that you already own nor what you may choose to purchase now. Enterprise grade equipment is exempt.
In addition to your offices and organization’s facilities consider home office network upgrades. Especially plan upgrades for people who often work from home and key personnel.
If you need to upgrade and were on the fence, now is the time! Avoid being stuck with your current problems.
Contact us right away if you need help.
If you have been our client for a while you know we love Ubiquiti Network’s Unifi systems for many reasons. They provide some of the best value, features, and high performance WiFi, security cameras, and network systems for everyone from individual home owners to medium sized organizations with hundreds of people. It’s uncertain so we are assuming that Ubiquiti is banned until we get word from both them and the FCC. And though the language of the executive order claims it is only routers, the fine print covers all networking devices like WiFi Access Points and switches.
The only vendor that is on the approved devices list is Starlink. Vendors like Cisco, PaloAlto, and HPE|Juniper are exempt due to their status as enterprise grade systems.
There is a major caveat to the “it doesn’t effect anything you currently own:” which is that your device may quit receiving updates (security and bug fixes) starting 2027 Mar 1st. The manufacturer can submit an application to the government through the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security to continue selling and updating equipment.
Rationale
The FCC claim this is due to security concerns. While we take your security and national security seriously, we’re calling shenanigans on this.
Why? Because if they truly cared about security their policies would not enforce an inefficient government bureaucracy to gate keep security updates to devices you own.
Think about that for a moment: The federal government is saying you cannot upgrade the security of your internet connection because our security is at risk? That makes no sense!
Instead it appears to be the government placing their thumb on the scales to manipulate the market.
Don’t get stuck with your bad WiFi coverage, upgrade your systems today to ensure great coverage throughout your facility!
Potential Risks to You
At a time where inflation, global conflicts, energy shortages, industry consolidation and monopolization are driving up all prices and creating shortages you need to make certain you have systems in place that will work the best and last you the longest.
- We project that prices will continue to rise for the upcoming year. Item selections will be limited.
- Your wait time to get a device in stock will likely rise as well.
- This continues the trend of big government looking out its own interests and big businesses at the cost of all of us.
- We are projecting these conditions to last at least 2-3 years.
- Got problems with your WiFi or network connection? Today is the best time to upgrade. Don’t wait until you run out of options. You’ll be stuck with the problems for years.
- Manufacturers may not legally be able to provide you with security updates in a year’s time.
What You Can Do
What stores are currently selling gives us a last call to get anything you need now.
- Consider purchasing spare equipment. You can safely store just in case you need it.
- If your systems are older you need to prioritize upgrading their hardware now. WiFi 7 is the current standard and WiFi 6 is sufficiently good. If you have WiFi 5 or older you definitely should plan an upgrade. A quick way to check is find the released/purchased/installed date for all computer network equipment and make sure it’s the last 3 years so 2023 or newer. In most cases those are going to be good. If you have questions we’re happy to help. We can determine if your equipment needs an upgrade.
- We are planning options if the manufacturer can no longer legally provide updates. If we manage your network we will help you through this process together.
- File a complaint with the FCC, President, or Senator’s offices. The president appoints FCC commissioners and the Senate approves these commissioners. This is flagrantly anti-consumer behavior and doesn’t serve the original intent of increasing national security.
- Consider using enterprise networking equipment. While the government could change their policies on this, we find it highly doubtful as it would hurt big businesses. It will likely cost more in terms of the equipment and management fees, it’s an option to consider.
- Ask about our best in class managed network services. We monitor your network for reliability, security, and productivity to ensure you have a network that works for you.
- Get an upgrade strategy and buy equipment now.
