FCC Doesn't Plan To Prevent Software Modifications to Wi-Fi Routers, Knapp Says

Julius Knapp, chief of the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology, reassured industry Thursday the FCC won't impose rules to prohibit third-party firmware installation on devices, including Wi-Fi routers, as part of changes to its device certification rules (see 1511100043). “There is concern that our proposed rules could have the unintended consequence of causing manufacturers to ‘lock down’ their devices and prevent all software modifications, including those impacting security vulnerabilities and other changes on which users rely,” Knapp said in a blog post. “Eliciting this kind of feedback is the very reason that we sought comment in an NPRM and we are pleased to have received the feedback that will inform our decision-making on this matter.”