Whether the FCC issues a clear and direct edict or if they merely intimidate the vendors into blocking third-party firmware, the effect for consumers is the same and the blame rests in the same place, so I don't think it's inappropriate to use the word "ban" to cover both cases. Until a large-scale commercial vendor of wireless routers stands up to fight on the side of open and hackable routers, the distinction is of no consequence.

Fortunately, the FCC might be backing down due to other sources of resistance and outcry. But that's not yet clear.