There is a proposed rule under consideration.
This is a week old, and proposes specific governance changes for Software Defined Radios, which affects WiFi on any device -- routers, handsets, workstations, refrigerators... Relevant excerpt:
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To minimize the potential for unauthorized modification to the software that controls the RF parameters of the device, grantees would have to implement well-defined measures to ensure that certified equipment is not capable of operating with RF-controlling software for which it has not been approved. All manufacturers of devices that have software-based control of RF parameters would have to provide specific information about the software capabilities of their devices. The Commission proposed to require that an applicant for certification explicitly describe the RF device's capabilities for software configuration and upgradeability in the application for certification. This description would include all frequency bands, power levels, modulation types, or other modes of operation for which the device is designed to operate, including modes not enabled in the device as initially marketed. Also, an applicant for certification would have to specify which parties will be authorized to make software changes (e.g., the grantee, wireless service provider, other authorized parties) and the software controls that are provided to prevent unauthorized parties from enabling different modes of operation.
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The second is not a proposal, it is a
guidance document for U-NII (IEEE 802.11a) certification. Of note is a requirement to address Third-Party Access Control, which asks the vendor:
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What prevents third parties from loading non-US versions of the software/firmware on the device? Describe in detail how the device is protected from “flashing” and the installation of third-party firmware such as DD-WRT.
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