Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
TP-Link plans to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi
TP-Link plans to make Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi through a partnership with Key Tronic, a manufacturer based in Spokane.
The companies signed a letter of intent, and production could begin as soon as early next year, pending legislative approval.
The plan comes after the FCC banned new routers made outside the US on March 23, including TP-Link products.
The ban followed US officials’ concerns about possible links between TP-Link and the Chinese government, which the articles say could expose routers to requests to push malicious software updates.
Making routers in the US may not be enough to bypass the ban, because the FCC’s rules on what counts as US production are unclear and TP-Link has not received a temporary exemption granted to some rivals.
Retailers can still sell their existing TP-Link stock, and those routers are approved for software updates through 2027.
Whether the new routers can be sold in the US remains uncertain, and the cost of US production could affect prices.
TP-Link has signed a letter of intent with electronics manufacturer Key Tronic to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi.
The companies say production could begin as soon as early next year, subject to legislative approval.
The plan follows a US Federal Communications Commission restriction on new routers made outside the United States.
The deal does not guarantee that TP-Link’s US-assembled routers will be allowed for sale in the country.
TP-Link says it is also pursuing conditional approval from the FCC for new products.
- Who
- TP-Link and electronics manufacturer Key Tronic.
- What
- They signed a letter of intent for Key Tronic to assemble TP-Link Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi.
- When
- The partnership was announced on October 19, 2026. Production could begin as soon as early next year.
- Where
- The planned assembly site is a factory in Mississippi, United States.
- Why
- TP-Link is pursuing US-based manufacturing amid FCC restrictions on new routers made outside the United States.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Wall Street Journal reported that a ban on foreign-made routers was expected in the next calendar year.
The FCC’s restriction on new routers made outside the United States became official.
TP-Link announced it had signed a letter of intent with Key Tronic.
Key Tronic could begin assembling TP-Link Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi, pending legislative approval.
- Partner
- Key Tronic
- Planned assembly location
- Mississippi, United States
- Product generation
- Wi-Fi 8 routers
- Announcement date
- October 19, 2026
- FCC restriction effective date
- March 23, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
This LOI with Key Tronic demonstrates our firm commitment to expanding domestic advanced manufacturing, and establishing America as our base for delivering secure, reliable connectivity solutions to households and businesses around the world.
Our production footprint will give TP-Link a strong domestic foundation, and our experience in high-reliability electronics manufacturing will help support the company’s new generation of Wi-Fi 8 technologies.
TP-Link supports efforts to strengthen security standards and is actively pursuing Conditional Approval for new products and advancing plans for U.S.-based manufacturing.
Many [components] are just not available from a domestic source, and this is not a TP-Link issue.