If the manufacturer of your router or drone is prohibited from operating in the US, they will continue to receive updates until 2029.

      Your "banned" router isn't finished yet, according to the FCC.

      The Federal Communications Commission has prolonged a crucial waiver that allows certain foreign-made routers, drones, and drone parts to continue receiving software and firmware updates in the U.S. until at least January 1, 2029.

      This decision comes amid rising worries that millions of currently deployed devices could pose cybersecurity risks if manufacturers were abruptly barred from providing security patches and compatibility updates. The announcement was made through the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), which also broadened the waiver's scope to include additional software-related modifications needed for device functionality.

      Regulatory reassessment due to security concerns

      The extension follows a wider FCC initiative that included certain foreign-manufactured routers and unmanned aerial vehicles in the agency's "Covered List" in late 2025 and early 2026 due to national security issues. These restrictions effectively halted new approvals and limited modifications for the affected devices after certification.

      Initially, existing waivers would only allow updates until 2027. However, regulators later recognized that completely severing software support could result in greater issues by leaving devices vulnerable to threats, cyberattacks, and compatibility problems.

      The updated waiver now allows essential firmware and software updates for previously authorized devices, even though the products themselves are still subject to broader restrictions. The FCC clarified that this policy does not reverse the bans or remove affected products from the Covered List.

      Why this matters for consumers

      For everyday users, this decision is significant because routers and drones rely heavily on ongoing software support to stay secure and functional. Routers, in particular, serve as gateways for home networks, connecting phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, and other internet-connected devices. Without security updates, known vulnerabilities can be more easily exploited by cybercriminals.

      The FCC's extension effectively provides consumers extra time before they need to worry about their devices becoming unsupported or outdated. It also lowers the risk of millions of products suddenly losing compatibility with future operating systems, networks, or connected services.

      Looking ahead

      While the waiver offers temporary respite, it emphasizes the increasing tension between national security policies and practical cybersecurity needs. Regulators are anticipated to spend the upcoming years developing a more permanent framework for managing foreign-made networking equipment and drones.

      For manufacturers, the message is mixed: existing products can keep receiving important updates, but future approvals for foreign-made devices will likely undergo stricter scrutiny and oversight in the coming years.