Last week, thousands of SamKnows routers were bricked after a government program ran its course. The routers, deployed as part of the Measuring Broadband Australia (MBA) program conducted by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), were used by volunteers to test and report on broadband speed and performance across the country. The program, which began in 2020, targeted fixed-line broadband services over the National Broadband Network (NBN) and other access networks.
According to the ACCC's final report, the routers were whiteboxes supplied by SamKnows, a network testing company that is now part of Cisco. These devices performed tests using servers maintained by SamKnows and hosted in Australia. The program concluded last month, and after June 30, the routers were disabled. Volunteers received emails informing them that their whiteboxes would be disabled and their SamKnows One accounts closed.
However, as one volunteer pointed out, the routers are still fully functional. The devices run a custom version of OpenWRT, an open-source Linux-based operating system for embedded devices. This means they can easily be reflashed into normal Wi-Fi routers with very decent performance. The volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous, reflashed their own device using a soldering iron and confirmed that it works great as a Wi-Fi router.
The ACCC's email to volunteers encouraged them to dispose of the devices in an environmentally responsible manner, directing them to free e-waste recycling services at local councils or retail stores like Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, and Harvey Norman. But critics argue that this is wasteful and that a final firmware update could have opened the devices for continued use. The volunteer noted that it seems a shame to disable perfectly good devices simply because the company cannot be bothered to send out a final firmware update.
This incident highlights a growing problem with e-waste in the technology industry. According to the Global E-waste Monitor, approximately 53 million metric tonnes of electronic waste were generated in 2019, and only 17% of it was collected and recycled. When devices are intentionally disabled rather than repurposed, the environmental impact is significant. The routers themselves contain valuable materials like copper, gold, and plastic, but also hazardous substances that can leach into the environment if not properly recycled.
The situation also raises questions about the responsibility of companies and governments in managing the lifecycle of hardware. In similar studies, such as the FCC's broadband testing program in the United States, SamKnows distributed 9,000 routers to volunteers in 2011. It is unclear what happened to those devices. The FCC and SamKnows have not publicly stated whether they were recycled, reused, or simply discarded.
When asked for comment, the ACCC provided a statement saying that the whiteboxes were dedicated hardware devices provided to volunteers for the program, and with its conclusion, they have been disabled and are no longer operational. The statement reiterated the suggestion for environmentally responsible disposal. SamKnows, now part of Cisco, directed all inquiries to the ACCC. Cisco declined to comment further, citing the agreement between SamKnows and the ACCC.
The lack of transparency from all parties has frustrated volunteers and technology enthusiasts. Some have already shared online guides on how to reflash the routers, bypassing the bricking. These guides detail the use of JTAG or serial connections to install a fresh version of OpenWRT. The process requires some technical skill, but for many, it is a worthwhile effort to keep a fully functional device out of a landfill.
Broadband testing programs like the MBA are important for ensuring that internet service providers deliver the speeds they advertise. Volunteers participate to help improve internet quality and hold providers accountable. However, the conclusion of such programs should not result in unnecessary waste. Future programs could include provisions for device repurposing, such as allowing volunteers to keep the devices after a simple firmware reset, or donating them to schools or community organizations.
From a technical standpoint, the SamKnows whiteboxes are based on relatively modern hardware, often using chipsets from Qualcomm or MediaTek, and equipped with gigabit Ethernet ports and dual-band Wi-Fi. They are essentially high-end routers that could serve as access points, mesh nodes, or even small network servers. The custom OpenWRT firmware includes testing agents and measurement tools, but the underlying Linux environment is flexible enough to run many other applications.
The decision to brick the devices instead of releasing an open firmware update may stem from liability concerns. If a device is repurposed and fails, or if it causes network issues, the original manufacturer or program sponsor could face backlash. However, such risks are minimal with open-source firmware and community support. Many hardware vendors, such as Linksys and D-Link, have released open-source firmware for older products to extend their lifespan.
Australia's e-waste problem is already severe. The country generates about 500,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, and only about 15% is recycled. The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme provides free recycling for computers and TVs, but many other electronic devices end up in landfill. The MBA program's routers represent a small but preventable addition to this problem. With thousands of devices affected, the community has a right to push for better end-of-life management.
Meanwhile, the ACCC has not explained why the routers were disabled instead of opened up via a final firmware update. The spokesperson's statement did not address the e-waste concerns directly. When pressed, the ACCC did not respond to follow-up questions. Similarly, SamKnows and Cisco remained silent on the matter. This lack of accountability may fuel further criticism, especially as the devices are still operational and in the hands of volunteers who are eager to use them.
In the broader context, this incident mirrors a trend in consumer electronics where devices are intentionally locked or disabled at the end of a service life, limiting their reuse. From smartphones to smart home hubs, manufacturers often create software barriers that prevent continued use. Right-to-repair advocates argue that consumers should have the ability to maintain and repurpose the devices they own. The MBA program router situation is a clear example of a missed opportunity to do better.
As of now, volunteers have two main options: either recycle the routers through official channels or take matters into their own hands by reflashing the firmware. The latter requires some investment in tools and knowledge, but online communities are already sharing resources. For those who prefer not to tinker, recycling remains the only sanctioned route. However, many believe that a simple firmware update from the manufacturer could have made the devices universally usable without any effort from the volunteers.
The debate over e-waste and planned obsolescence is not new, but the MBA program case highlights that even government-initiated programs can contribute to the problem. It serves as a cautionary tale for future projects that involve distributing test equipment to volunteers. Clear agreements about the end-of-life process should be established upfront, and if possible, devices should be designed for easy repurposing after the program concludes.
In conclusion, while the MBA program has ended and served its purpose, the handling of the leftover routers leaves much to be desired. The decision to brick thousands of fully functional devices without offering a simple repurposing path is both shortsighted and environmentally damaging. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that we consider the entire lifecycle of hardware, from production to disposal. Perhaps this incident will prompt more thoughtful policies in the future.
Source:Ars Technica News