The US Federal Communications Commission has again blocked TP-Link's attempt to win conditional approval to sell Wi-Fi 8 routers in the United States, alleging the company submitted false or incorrect information in applications for four router models and that three of the four exceeded permitted power levels, according to letters dated October 15, 2026.
The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology alleged that TP-Link "included false or incorrect information in its applications" for equipment authorizations covering four router models, including high-end Archer models. The office also told the company that three of the four routers under scrutiny had power usage above allowed levels, according to a Bloomberg report.
The FCC's testing regime for routers typically covers electromagnetic compatibility, radio frequency emissions and national security compliance. The national security element has been a persistent sticking point for the FCC and the US Department of Defense, given the spread of TP-Link networking gear in civilian and government networks. The company also faces grievances from members of Congress and multiple state attorneys general over alleged consumer privacy violations and Chinese ties.
TP-Link responded that routine spot checks have been standard FCC practice across the consumer electronics industry for years and that individual product test results can occasionally vary. It said it fully supports the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology and its role in ensuring manufacturers adhere to prescribed specifications, and it said it remains committed to working collaboratively with the FCC to resolve any technical questions and address any confirmed issues as swiftly as possible.
The setback follows TP-Link's efforts to improve its standing in the United States. The company has moved its US headquarters to California and announced a $1 billion joint venture with Key Tronic to manufacture Wi-Fi 8 routers in the US. Competitors including Amazon, Asus and Netgear have secured conditional approval to sell wireless products in the US.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The FCC's objections could delay TP-Link's entry into the US Wi-Fi 8 router market while rivals such as Amazon, Asus and Netgear have already secured conditional approval to sell wireless products there.
- The dispute adds to broader US government scrutiny of TP-Link over national security and privacy concerns, which could shape how US agencies and consumers view the company's products.
- Whether TP-Link can resolve the FCC's findings may test the company's stepped-up US investments, including its planned $1 billion manufacturing joint venture with Key Tronic.
Background
US regulators have made national security compliance a persistent concern for TP-Link given the wide use of its networking gear in civilian and government settings, according to the report. Beyond the FCC, members of Congress and several state attorneys general have raised concerns about alleged consumer privacy violations and Chinese ties. TP-Link has responded by relocating its US headquarters to California and announcing plans to build Wi-Fi 8 routers in the United States with Key Tronic.
Key Perspectives
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology: Alleged that TP-Link "included false or incorrect information in its applications" for four router models and said three of the four exceeded allowed power levels.
TP-Link: Said routine spot checks are standard FCC practice and individual product test results can occasionally vary, and said it supports the FCC office's role and will work collaboratively to resolve technical questions and address any confirmed issues.
What to Watch
- Whether TP-Link submits corrected applications or challenges the FCC's findings for the four router models.
- Whether the planned US manufacturing venture with Key Tronic changes the FCC or Department of Defense assessment.
- Whether the grievances from Congress and state attorneys general lead to further regulatory action.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe FCC again blocked TP-Link's bid for Wi-Fi 8 router approval.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “FCC rebuffs TP-Link again as it attempts to sell Wi-Fi 8 gear in the US.”
- SupportedLetters dated October 15 allege problems in applications for four router models, including Archer devices.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “In letters dated October 15, 2026, the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology made some damning claims about TP-Link's reporting practices. Specifically, the FCC alleged that TP-Link "included false or incorrect information in its applications” related to equipment authorizations for four individual router models (including high-end Archer models).”
- SupportedThe FCC alleged that TP-Link included false or incorrect information in applications for four router models.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “Specifically, the FCC alleged that TP-Link "included false or incorrect information in its applications” related to equipment authorizations for four individual router models”
- Partly supportedThree of the four routers exceeded permitted power levels, and the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology told TP-Link this in the October 15 letters.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “According to a new Bloomberg report, the FCC is citing discrepancies in power levels in TP-Link routers as the latest roadblock on its path to selling new Wi-Fi 8 products stateside.”
- SupportedThe FCC quote says TP-Link "included false or incorrect information in its applications."Latest from Tom's Hardware: “the FCC alleged that TP-Link "included false or incorrect information in its applications””
- SupportedThe FCC's router testing regimen includes electromagnetic compatibility, radio-frequency emissions and national-security compliance evaluations.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “the FCC's testing regimen for routers includes evaluations of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency (RF) emissions, and national security compliance.”
- SupportedNational-security compliance has been a sticking point for the FCC and the US Department of Defense, given the spread of TP-Link gear in civilian and government settings.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “The latter has been a big sticking point with the FCC and the U.S. Department of Defense given the proliferation of TP-Link networking gear in civilian and governmental capacities.”
- SupportedMembers of Congress and multiple state attorneys general have raised grievances over alleged consumer-privacy violations and Chinese ties.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “members of Congress and multiple state attorneys general have filed their grievances with TP-Link over alleged consumer privacy violations and Chinese ties.”
- SupportedTP-Link said routine FCC spot checks have been standard across the consumer-electronics industry for years and that individual product results can vary.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “Routine spot checks have been a standard FCC practice across the consumer electronics industry for many years, and individual product test results can occasionally vary.”
- SupportedTP-Link said it supports the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology and is committed to working with the FCC on technical questions and confirmed issues.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “TP-Link Systems fully supports the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology and its role of ensuring that all manufacturers adhere to prescribed specifications for their certified products. We remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the FCC to resolve any technical questions that arise — and if necessary, address any confirmed technical issues as swiftly as possible.”
- SupportedTP-Link moved its US headquarters to California and announced a $1 billion joint venture with Key Tronic to manufacture Wi-Fi 8 routers in the US.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “Besides moving its U.S. headquarters to California, the company earlier this month announced a $1 billion joint venture with Key Tronic to manufacture Wi-Fi 8 routers in the U.S.”
- SupportedAmazon, Asus and Netgear have secured conditional approval to sell wireless products in the US.Latest from Tom's Hardware: “competitors like Amazon, Asus, and Netgear have sailed through compliance checks to gain conditional approval to sell wireless products in the U.S.”
