OET Waivers (UAS and routers) extended to 2029
The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology extends through at least January 1, 2029, and expands waivers allowing certain already-authorized covered UAS, UAS critical components, and routers to receive consumer-protective software and firmware updates.
What it does OET continues its prior waivers from the prohibitions in 47 CFR §§ 2.932(b) and 2.1043(b) for Class I permissive changes involving software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to U.S. consumers. The extension applies to covered UAS and UAS critical components authorized before their December 22, 2025, Covered List addition, and covered routers authorized before their March 23, 2026, addition. It also adds analogous relief for Class II permissive changes. Covered updates include patches for vulnerabilities, continued device functionality, and operating-system compatibility. The waiver does not remove other FCC filing, testing, performance, marketing, or certification requirements.
Who it affects Manufacturers and grantees of already-authorized foreign-produced UAS, UAS critical components, and routers covered by the FCC rules may continue qualifying updates. It does not authorize new covered equipment or changes beyond the specified Class I and Class II software and firmware updates.
Why it matters Without relief, the revised equipment-authorization rules could block security and safety updates for devices added to the Covered List. OET finds that extending the limited waiver serves the public interest while allowing the Commission to consider codifying the policy through rulemaking.
Key dates and numbers
- May 8, 2026: waiver extension and expansion released; DA 26-454.
- January 1, 2029: waiver period extends at least through this date.
- December 22, 2025: covered UAS and UAS critical components were added to the Covered List.
- March 23, 2026: covered routers were added to the Covered List.
- ET Docket No. 21-232; governing provisions include 47 CFR §§ 2.932(b) and 2.1043(b).