The Federal Communications Commission clarified this week that its sweeping ban on foreign-made consumer routers also affects portable hotspot devices.
The FCC added a new section to an FAQ titled, "Is my device a consumer-grade router under the National Security Determination?" The new FAQ section says this category includes "consumer-grade portable or mobile MiFi Wi-Fi or hotspot devices for residential use." The ban does not cover "mobile phones with hotspot features," the FAQ says.
This means that companies making consumer hotspots need an exemption from the government to import and sell any future hotspots that haven't previously been approved by the FCC. As with routers, devices previously approved for sale in the US can continue to be imported and sold without obtaining a special exemption.