Conditional Approvals - SpaceX (routers)
The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announces that Department of War Conditional Approval exempts SpaceX Services, Inc.’s Starlink routers from the FCC Covered List, subject to a February 1, 2028 termination date.
What it does The Public Notice explains that the Commission added foreign-produced routers to the Covered List on March 23, 2026, while excluding routers granted Conditional Approval by the Department of War or Department of Homeland Security. It determines that the Department of War approval is a “specific determination” that the identified devices do not pose unacceptable risks and updates the Covered List and Conditional Approvals appendix accordingly. The notice also republishes the current Covered List and identifies other router approvals.
Who it affects The action directly affects SpaceX’s Starlink routers and entities that manufacture, test, authorize, deploy, or procure foreign-produced routers. The appended approval table identifies products from Netgear, Adtran, eero, Calix, Nokia, Sagemcom, Miri, Arcadyan, Hitron, and other manufacturers with specified approval periods.
Why it matters The notice clarifies how executive-branch Conditional Approvals change the scope of the FCC’s supply-chain restrictions and preserves staff guidance for test labs, Telecommunications Certification Bodies, and equipment-authorization applicants.
Key dates and numbers
- Released July 27, 2026; DA 26-775.
- Router category added to the Covered List March 23, 2026.
- Starlink Conditional Approval: July 27, 2026–February 1, 2028.
- Governing rules: 47 CFR §§ 1.50002(a), 1.50003.