FCC Grants Asus Conditional Clearance for US Router Sales, Paving Way for Wi-Fi 8 Launch
The Federal Communications Commission has issued conditional approvals for Asus's entire wireless networking portfolio, including routers, mesh systems, and access points, allowing sales in the US for 18 months. This decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of router manufacturers, with rival TP-Link still awaiting clearance. The approval is based on a determination that Asus devices do not pose national security risks.
The FCC's clearance applies to Asus's full networking catalog, spanning gaming routers, mesh kits, and access points, with an 18-month validity period tied to a security review. This approval places the Taiwanese firm among a select group, including Netgear and Amazon's Eero/Leo.
Cleared for sale, Asus can now advance its Wi-Fi 8 rollout, featuring the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro, which claims a two-fold real-world speed gain over Wi-Fi 7. In contrast, TP-Link, the dominant US router vendor, still lacks clearance, leaving its Wi-Fi 8 "Ultra" models without a domestic launch timeline.
This regulatory shift could reshape the US consumer networking market. With TP-Link sidelined, Asus and other approved vendors may capture significant market share, potentially affecting pricing and availability for households and small businesses. The conditional approval implies ongoing compliance, which may influence future product cycles. For consumers, Wi-Fi 8 adoption could accelerate, yet the broader geopolitical scrutiny of hardware suppliers might lead to a more fragmented ecosystem, limiting options for some buyers.