By Claus Hetting, WiFi NOW CEO & Chairman
NETGEAR & Adtran exempted from the FCC’s router ban
NETGEAR has become the first consumer-grade Wi-Fi company to receive an exemption to the FCC’s recent blanket ban on foreign-made routers (details can be found in this news report). According to PC Mag, NETGEAR has been exempted because the Department of War has reviewed the technology and determined that it is not a threat to US national security, the FCC says. The list of confirmed exemptions can be found here – although the exemptions are only temporary and valid until October 2027. DoW has not stated exactly what analysis led them to this conclusion.
A second exemption has been granted to Adtran, although it is unclear why Adtran needs an exemption since Adtran routers (for service providers) are – to our knowledge – perhaps the only Wi-Fi router hardware manufactured in the USA, meaning in Huntsville, Alabama, to be exact. It is still unclear what the requirements for exemptions are. The ban – which came without consultation or other warning – seems to be poorly thought out and a work in progress, to say the least.
Ookla: Spectrum Mobile & Xfinity Mobile continue to lead with Wi-Fi
Both Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile continue to outperform the mobile competition by using Wi-Fi networks to boost connectivity speeds. According to a just released report by Ookla documenting speed test results from 1Q2026, the two MVNOs deliver approximately 15% higher average mobile phone data rates (about 230 Mbps) compared to the national average of just below 200 Mbps (see exact values below). Up to 90% of Spectrum Mobile & Xfinity Mobile traffic is carried over their respective fixed networks, Ookla says. Read more here.
Boldyn deploys a new Wi-Fi 7 network for LA’s Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the largest amphitheatres in the world with room for 18,000 spectators – and now the LA landmark will be equipped with a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 7 network, deployed by Boldyn Networks. The Hollywood Bowl has been the home of the LA Philharmonic since its inauguration in 1921. The upgrade comes as LA prepares for a ‘headliner’ year with plenty of global visitors, Boldyn says here.
/Claus.
