FCC extends software update waivers for foreign drones and routers until January 1, 2029

The Federal Communications Commission has extended temporary waivers that allow foreign-made drones and consumer routers to receive software and firmware updates until January 1, 2029. This regulatory decision affects devices that were previously added to the agency's Covered List of restricted hardware. The extension applies to equipment that received authorization for use in the United States before the restrictions took effect.

Agency allows limited firmware updates to mitigate cybersecurity risks for millions of devices

The new waiver permits Class II permissive changes for software updates intended to mitigate consumer harm. Drones and drone components can now continue receiving critical security and functionality updates through January 1, 2027. Consumer routers are granted similar permission to receive updates through March 1, 2027. The agency clarified that this waiver does not reverse the broader restrictions on these devices or remove them from the Covered List.

The FCC stated that blocking security patches for these devices could create significant cybersecurity risks. The agency argued that the public interest is better served by allowing limited updates rather than freezing software support entirely. This policy addresses concerns that millions of devices would remain vulnerable to threats if updates were completely halted. The decision follows the addition of foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems to the Covered List in late 2025. Routers produced in foreign countries were added to the list in March 2026.

This policy update highlights the tension between national security restrictions and the practical need for device maintenance. Manufacturers of affected devices can now continue issuing updates for several more years under the new timeline. The extension provides a window for the industry to adapt to the regulatory environment without compromising device security. The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology issued the guidance to clarify the scope of the waiver.