From PCMAG · Michael Kan · · 2m
TP-Link Taps US Company to Build Wi-Fi Routers
TP-Link partners with Key Tronic to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi to bypass FCC ban.
In brief
TP-Link partners with Key Tronic to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi to bypass FCC ban. TP-Link plans to build Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi with Key Tronic to comply with US foreign-made router ban. Originally reported by PCMAG.
TP-Link Faces FCC Ban
TP-Link plans to partner with domestic electronics manufacturer Key Tronic Corporation to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi.
Key Tronic Background
Key Tronic is headquartered in Spokane Valley, Washington, and started making keyboards before expanding to contract manufacturing.
Letter of Intent
Key Tronic signed a letter of intent with TP-Link to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in its Corinth, Mississippi facility as early as next year.
TP-Link's Goal
TP-Link hopes the announcement pushes other Wi-Fi vendors to make manufacturing commitments in the US and helps the Trump administration and FCC achieve supply chain reshoring.
Component Challenge
TP-Link still needs to source components from overseas despite domestic assembly, as many components are not available from domestic sources.
FCC Content Threshold
The FCC defines production as any major stage of the process including manufacturing, assembly, design, and development for the content threshold.
Component Clarity
There is no clarity on what percentage of components must be US-made, as Qualcomm and Broadcom rely on foreign semiconductor manufacturing.
Temporary Exemption
TP-Link is applying for a temporary exemption to the foreign-made router ban through conditional approval for domestic manufacturing.
Conditional Approval
To apply for conditional approval, companies must submit a detailed time-bound plan for domestic manufacturing and country of origin for all components and software.
Investment Plan
TP-Link told the FCC it was considering a nearly $1 billion investment to develop product manufacturing in the US, covering more than the Key Tronic announcement.
State Lawsuits
Four US states filed lawsuits claiming TP-Link has misled the public about router security and could still source components from China.
TP-Link's Response
TP-Link split from its Chinese counterpart in 2024 to become a US company headquartered in Irvine, California, with CEO Jeffrey Chao seeking US citizenship.
Regulatory Timeline
TP-Link is proceeding on its timeline with regulatory applications and claims there is no undue delay from any regulatory agencies.
Price Impact
TP-Link's first Wi-Fi 8 product is up for preorder in Canada at $999 CAD (US$705) with potential higher prices due to US manufacturing.
The headline
TP-Link plans to build Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi with Key Tronic to comply with US foreign-made router ban.
