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    FCC exempts new Starlink devices from router ban

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    FCC exempts new Starlink devices from router ban


    SpaceX’s Starlink unit is the latest to obtain an important temporary exemption from the FCC’s ban on foreign-made routers.

    Per a public notice posted Monday (July 27), SpaceX received conditional approval for a number of Starlink routers, but the notice did not specify how many or which specific router models were granted that status. The conditional approval granted Monday is good through February 1, 2028.

    Under the FCC ban that took effect in March, new, foreign-made routers require conditional approval via a process run by the US Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Some router vendors, broadband service providers and industry organizations have also applied for (and, in some cases, been granted) expedited waivers. The FCC’s ban comprises all forms of routers, including Wi-Fi access points and mesh devices, as well as standalone cable modems.

    When a router obtains conditional approval, it means the US Department of Defense has determined it does not pose risks to US national security. The list of devices that have been granted conditional approval is maintained by the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.

    Related:FCC router ban docket stays active

    Which Starlink routers?

    SpaceX produces Starlink equipment at its Bastrop, Texas, facility, which presumably would help the company steer clear of the FCC’s ban. However, a number of models, including the Router 3 and Router Mini, have been shown to be manufactured in Vietnam, according to PCMag. It is not immediately clear if Monday’s conditional approvals are for new Starlink routers made in Taiwan or if they were granted to routers approved by the FCC prior to the ban that have implemented changes to memory or some other component.

    SpaceX has been asked for comment on which Starlink router models are included in this round of conditional approvals from the FCC.

    Last week, Humax and Askey Computer gained conditional approval on a handful of new routers. Those additions included a pair of new Wi-Fi 8-based devices from Askey and a pair of Wi-Fi 7 devices from Humax.

    Who’s doing what?

    Based on FCC data and Light Reading research, here’s a roundup of companies and organizations that have been granted or are seeking conditional approvals and/or expedited waivers, and the current status of those requests:

    • ACA Connects/NTCA: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.

    • Adtran: Conditional approval granted for Service Delivery Gateway-class routers. Good through October 1, 2027.

    • Alpha Networks: Conditional approval granted for 1700 and 2700 series of routers. Good through November 22, 2027.

    • Arcadyan Technology: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 26, 2027.

    • Arcadyan Technology: Conditional approval granted for several CPE for T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Good through December 12, 2027.

    • Askey Computer Corp.: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.

    • Askey Computer Corp.: Conditional approval for the ASK-NMC300 and ASK-NCQ8000 (Wi-Fi 8 gateways). Good through January 17, 2028.

    • AT&T: Expedited waiver granted. Good through May 15, 2027.

    • Calix: Conditional approval granted for a handful of broadband routers, including GigaSpire-class routers (7u6m.2, 7u4txg, 7u4, 7u6.2) and the GigaPro 7p6. All are good through November 22, 2027.

    • eero/Amazon: Conditional approval granted for several eero devices and Amazon Leo routers. Good through October 31, 2027.

    • Gemtek: Conditional approval granted for the WRTQ-411BE and WNRFQQ-113BE routers. Good through January 3, 2028.

    • Gryphon Online Safety: Conditional approval granted for the Parental Control Wi-Fi router. Good through January 10, 2028.

    • Hitron: Conditional approval granted for a group of DOCSIS 4.0, DOCSIS 3.1 and FWA devices, including gateways, routers and hotspots.

    Related:FCC router ban docket stays active

    • Humax Networks: HNR2306 and HNRM30 Wi-Fi 7 routers. Good through January 17, 2028.

    Related:Hitron exec provides a vendor’s-eye view of the FCC’s router ban

    • Miri Technologies: Conditional approval granted for the Miri X10 Travel Router. Good through December 12, 2027.

    • NCTA: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 9, 2027.

    • Netgear: Conditional approval granted for several “Nighthawk” mesh, mobile and standalone routers. Good through October 1, 2027.

    • Nokia: Conditional approval granted for multiple wireless routers and “Beacon” routers. Good through October 31, 2027.

    • Sagemcom: Conditional approval granted for a handful of FAST-branded routers (FAST3994, FAST3897, FAST5698, FAST5699 and FAST5999), including a new DOCSIS 4.0 device. Good through December 5, 2027.

    • Sercomm: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 9, 2027.

    • Sercomm: Conditional approval for the Air4992 Wi-Fi 7 router. Good through January 10, 2028.

    • SpaceX: Starlink routers (models not specified). Good through February 1, 2028.

    • USTelecom: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.

    • Vantiva: Conditional approval granted for the CWA438TX, DOCSIS 3.1+ modem with VoIP support. Good through January 8, 2028.

    • Verizon: Expedited waiver granted. Good through June 26, 2027.

    • WNC: Expedited waiver requested. Awaiting approval.





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