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Hackaday sounds the alarm and along with ThinkPenguin, the EFF, FSF, Software Freedom Law Center, Software Freedom Conservancy, OpenWRT, LibreCMC, Qualcomm, and others have created the SaveWiFi campaign (archive.is capture, real link is at this overloaded server) , providing instructions on how to submit a formal complaint to the FCC regarding this proposed rule. The comment period is closing on September 8, 2015.
From Hackaday:
Under the rule proposed by the FCC, devices with radios may be required to prevent modifications to firmware. All devices operating in the 5GHz WiFi spectrum will be forced to implement security features to ensure the radios cannot be modified. While prohibiting the modification of transmitters has been a mainstay of FCC regulation for 80 years, the law of unintended consequences will inevitably show up in full force: because of the incredible integration of electronic devices, this proposed regulation may apply to everything from WiFi routers to cell phones. The proposed regulation would specifically ban router firmwares such as DD-WRT, and may go so far as to include custom firmware on your Android smartphone.
A lot is on the line. The freedom to modify devices you own is a concern, but the proposed rules prohibiting new device firmware would do much more damage. The economic impact would be dire, the security implications would be extreme, and emergency preparedness would be greatly hindered by the proposed restrictions on router firmware. The FCC is taking complaints and suggestions until September 8th.
Leave a comment for the FCC via this link to the Federal Register
(Score: 1) by Francis on Thursday September 03 2015, @04:36PM
Which is fine unless somebody complains and you wind up with a massive fine. Even with devices that are operating within the FCC's regulations are a problem due to congestion. There's probably a dozen or more WAP within range here and I shudder to think how bad it is for people who live in apartments or condos.
I don't object to them restricting modifications, but they should draft the rule so that firmware that doesn't change the wireless component is OK.
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday September 03 2015, @08:48PM
I do object to them restricting modifications. It's my property. If I don't control it, it cannot be trusted.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Francis on Thursday September 03 2015, @11:22PM
But, you don't own the spectrum and for that you require a certified piece of equipment.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 04 2015, @11:25AM
screw the feds' certification! Also, fed hunting drones require custom firmware!
(Score: -1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 04 2015, @04:41PM
I own the property, so it's mine. They can't force restrictions on my private property merely because it could potentially be abused. Fuck you.
No one owns the spectrum. Where in the US constitution does it say the government has the power to take control of the spectrum? Nowhere. Therefore, the federal government simply has no such power.