The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has extended the deadline that allows certain foreign-made Wi-Fi routers and drones to continue receiving software and firmware updates in the United States. The move comes after concerns that millions of devices already being used by consumers could become vulnerable to hacking and security risks if updates were stopped too early.
Extension Details
Earlier rules had set the cutoff for updates in 2027, but the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has now pushed the date to January 1, 2029. The extension applies only to devices that had already been approved before the restrictions were introduced.
FCC Says Update Extension Is in "Public Interest"
The White House had earlier backed restrictions on foreign-made routers and drones, arguing that such products could pose national security risks to US networks and infrastructure. However, security experts and technology groups warned that blocking software updates could leave existing devices exposed to cyberattacks because updates often contain fixes for vulnerabilities.
In its latest announcement, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology said previously authorized foreign-made devices will be allowed to continue to receive software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to US consumers until at least Jan. 1, 2029. The office added that the extension includes updates that patch vulnerabilities and facilitate compatibility with different operating systems.
The FCC also stated, "OET finds that special circumstances warrant a deviation from the general rules and the public interest would be better served by extending the waiver of the prohibitions on these Class I permissive changes in these circumstances." The office further said it plans to recommend that the commission consider codifying this waiver through a rulemaking, which means the extension could later become a formal long-term policy.
Scope of Waiver
The updated waiver now also allows certain larger Class II permissive changes meant to protect consumers. Earlier, only smaller software changes classified as Class I were allowed. The FCC clarified that the waiver only applies to devices that were already authorized before the restrictions. Newly developed foreign-made routers and drones still remain banned unless companies receive special approval from the Pentagon or the Department of Homeland Security.
