FCC Delays Banned Drone and Router Restrictions Until 2029

Restrictions tied to the agency’s Covered List had been set to take effect in 2027.

FCC Delays Banned Drone and Router Restrictions Until 2029
Photo of router from KTAR News.

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission is delaying until 2029 restrictions on software and firmware updates for certain foreign-made drones and routers.

In an announcement posted Friday, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology said that extending a previous deadline by nearly two years was necessary, citing “special circumstances” that justify a departure from general rules.

The FCC’s original deadline would have banned firmware updates to these devices after March 1, 2027. 

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