FCC ROUTER BAN TARGETS HOTSPOTS, SPARES PHONES

The FCC expanded its definition of consumer routers in an updated FAQ, explicitly covering portable hotspot devices in the ban. However, phones and tablets that offer hotspot features remain outside the regulatory scope. The clarification distinguishes between dedicated hotspot devices—standalone gadgets whose primary function is providing Wi-Fi connectivity—and general-purpose devices with secondary hotspot capabilities. This means manufacturers of portable hotspots must comply with the router ban requirements, while smartphone makers face no additional restrictions for including hotspot features in their devices. The FCC's move addresses a gap in its original guidance, which lacked clarity on how portable hotspots fit within router regulations. The update helps manufacturers understand compliance requirements for devices occupying the middle ground between traditional routers and phones.