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Analysis America's broadband watchdog is suffering a backlash over plans to control software updates to Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, and even laptops.
In a proposed update [PDF] to the regulator's rules over radiofrequency equipment, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would oblige manufacturers to "specify which parties will be authorized to make software changes."
In addition, it proposes that "modifications by third parties should not be permitted unless the third party receives its own certification."
While the intent is to make the FCC's certification of the next generation of wireless equipment faster and more flexible, open source advocates were quick to notice that the rules would effectively force manufacturers to lock down their equipment and so remove the ability to modify software without formal approval from the US government. Such an approach goes directly against the open source ethos.
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I wonder if this affects people who make their own Wireless routers with a computer, or mini computer like a Raspberry Pi.
It stinks that the US government wants to stop people from installing their own firmware on their router, smartphone, and laptops since people payed for their devices, so they should be able to install third party firmware.
In a proposed update [PDF] to the regulator's rules over radiofrequency equipment, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would oblige manufacturers to "specify which parties will be authorized to make software changes."
In addition, it proposes that "modifications by third parties should not be permitted unless the third party receives its own certification."
While the intent is to make the FCC's certification of the next generation of wireless equipment faster and more flexible, open source advocates were quick to notice that the rules would effectively force manufacturers to lock down their equipment and so remove the ability to modify software without formal approval from the US government. Such an approach goes directly against the open source ethos.
Read More
I wonder if this affects people who make their own Wireless routers with a computer, or mini computer like a Raspberry Pi.
It stinks that the US government wants to stop people from installing their own firmware on their router, smartphone, and laptops since people payed for their devices, so they should be able to install third party firmware.
