FCC Delays Banned Drone and Router Restrictions Until 2029

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. 

The restrictions stem from revised FCC equipment authorization rules adopted in October 2025 that barred equipment on the Covered List from receiving permissive changes, including some software and firmware updates

The FCC’s Covered List targets communications equipment viewed as posing national security risks, including concerns over surveillance, espionage, and cyber vulnerabilities tied to foreign-made technology. 

The OET said the waiver applies to drones, drone components, and routers authorized for use in the United States before being added to the list. 

The move follows FCC decisions in March to block imports of new routers produced abroad and in December to restrict foreign drone equipment, citing national security risks.

OET said it plans to recommend that the full commission consider codifying the waiver through a future rulemaking proceeding.