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You can still use your existing router, but there is one big caveat hidden in the FCC’s Public Notice: “All routers authorized for use in the United States may continue to receive software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to US consumers at least until March 1, 2027.” On May 8, that deadline was pushed back to "at least Jan. 1, 2029," and it's possible that it will be eliminated entirely. Firmware updates are essential to both your router’s performance and security. Most router companies issue automatic firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities as they pop up, and you may not eve

Representatives for the FCC couldn’t tell me which specific router companies will be subject to the ban, but nearly every Wi-Fi router available in the US has some stage of “manufacturing, assembly, design and development” occurring outside the country. Untangling each router’s supply chain will be a complicated process, and router companies are already lobbying the FCC for “Conditional Approval.”  “Every single one of these devices, even if the final assembly happens in California, for example, they're all going to come with components that are manufactured in China, as an example,” Sonu Shan

Nearly 70% of Americans rent their routers from their internet service provider. The FCC’s ban will impact them, too, as they also rely on foreign-made parts for their Wi-Fi equipment.  The analytics site, Ookla, looked at speed tests from 2026 and found the top three Wi-Fi router vendors for four of the largest ISPs. None of them are manufactured entirely in the US. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) If you rent equipment from your ISP, you can take some comfort in knowing that it’s on them to be compliant with the FCC and keep your network secure. Do

Would that it were so simple. People have all sorts of needs for talk, text and data usage on their phones, which is why we've made recommendations in multiple categories. As you evaluate phone plans, think about how you use your phone. Are you mostly at home or another location where there's plentiful Wi-Fi? You may be fine with an inexpensive plan with a small amount of cellular high-speed data. Or, if you frequently travel or are out and about all day, having unlimited, unrestricted data and high speeds is likely more important. For this guide, we're leaning more toward value than seeing ho