Drone Router Conditional Approvals
The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) updates the Covered List to exclude specified uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), UAS critical components, and routers that received Department of War (DoW) Conditional Approvals.
What it does PSHSB finds that the DoW approvals are “a specific determination” that the identified devices do not pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security or the safety and security of U.S. persons. It therefore updates the Covered List and publishes an accompanying inventory of approved devices. The June 22 approvals cover Real-Time Robotics’ HERA platform, Ceres Air’s C40, C31, C26, C20, and C6 platforms, and Hitron’s listed gateways, routers, and hotspots. The appendices also consolidate earlier approvals for additional UAS and router products.
Who it affects The exclusions affect manufacturers and suppliers of the approved devices, equipment authorization applicants, testing laboratories, and telecommunications providers evaluating covered equipment. The notice identifies approvals for companies including SiFly, Netgear, Adtran, eero, Nokia, Arcadyan, Sagemcom, and Flock Safety, among others.
Why it matters The action clarifies how DoW or Department of Homeland Security Conditional Approvals operate as exceptions to broad Covered List categories for foreign-produced UAS and routers. It preserves the Covered List framework while allowing approved products to proceed outside those exclusions, subject to approval end dates.
Key dates and numbers
- Released June 22, 2026 (DA 26-616).
- HERA and Ceres approvals terminate December 31, 2026.
- Hitron approvals terminate December 18, 2027.
- Relevant proceedings: WC Docket No. 18-89; ET Docket No. 21-232; EA Docket No. 21-233.