The **FCC** has pushed back the deadline for a controversial ban on software and firmware updates for foreign-made routers and drones, a decision initially announced in March. This move comes after pushback from the tech industry and concerns about the security implications of blocking essential updates. ### Deadline Extension According to the announcement from the **FCC’s** Office of Engineering and Technology (**OET**), the router deadline has been extended to at least January 1, 2029, from the original date of March 1, 2027. Similarly, the deadline for foreign-made drones to receive updates has also been moved to January 1, 2029, from January 1, 2027. ### Security Risks and Public Interest The initial ban, prompted by national security concerns from the White House, raised the possibility of making it difficult to patch security flaws in routers manufactured overseas. Recognizing this risk, the **OET** moved to extend the deadlines, citing “the public interest.” The agency acknowledged that preventing updates could create new vulnerabilities, outweighing the perceived security benefits of the ban. ### Industry Pushback The delay follows a letter from the **Consumer Technology Association**, North America’s largest technology trade group, to the **FCC**, arguing for a deadline extension. The association relayed its concerns during a meeting with **FCC** staff. The agency stated that the extension would allow updates to “ensure the continued functionality of the devices, such as those that patch vulnerabilities and facilitate compatibility with different operating systems.” ### Potential Rulemaking The **OET** also recommended that the agency consider a rulemaking process to formalize the waivers. This raises the possibility that the waivers could be extended beyond 2029 or that the proposed ban on updates could be reversed entirely. html <div> <div> <p>Get more insights with the </p> <p>Recorded Future</p> <p>Intelligence Cloud.</p> </div> <p><a href="https://www.recordedfuture.com/platform?mtm_campaign=ad-unit-record" rel="noopener noreferrer">Learn more.</a></p> </div> <div> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.recordedfuture.com/?utm_source=therecord&amp;utm_medium=ad"><figure><img src="https://cms.therecord.media/uploads/2025_0514_Record_Ads_970x250_1_d144dbf901.png" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="500" width="1000" alt="Recorded Future"></figure></a> </div>