Global Regulatory Intelligence

Canada's ISED has ended the transition period for 5 GHz WAS/RLAN Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) testing. From July 20, 2026, new equipment certifications under RSS-247 must demonstrate DFS compliance using ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11); the older V1.8.1 (2015-03) is no longer accepted for new applications. Manufacturers, importers, and test labs placing 5 GHz wireless products on the Canadian market should confirm their DFS test evidence reflects the new version.

Trinidad & Tobago's regulator has moved on two fronts. TATT finalized a Cybersecurity Framework (v1.0, 30 Jan 2026) for telecom and broadcasting operators, and is separately consulting on a revised Concession that would hard-wire binding cybersecurity and cybercrime conditions into every concession. The TATT cybersecurity requirements include 24-hour incident notification, annual conformance reporting, five-year data preservation, and vendor-security duties that pass down to

On July 28, 2026, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology issued an FCC Covered List waiver letting previously authorized foreign-produced robotic devices and power inverters keep receiving qualifying Class I and Class II software and firmware updates through at least Jan 1, 2029. It covers vulnerability patches and OS-compatibility updates that mitigate consumer harm, but does not authorize new models or lift other FCC obligations. Here is what manufacturers and test

On July 28, 2026, the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau added foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotic devices to the FCC Covered List, barring new models from the equipment authorization needed to enter the US market. The listings implement National Security Determinations, apply by place of production rather than manufacturer identity, and can be lifted only via a Conditional Approval from the Department of War (or DHS for inverters).

Costa Rica's telecom regulator SUTEL has finalized its 6 GHz Standard Power homologation framework. RCS-138-2026 sets the type-approval procedure for AFC-controlled Standard Power access points and fixed client devices in the 5925-7125 MHz band, while RCS-137-2026 governs accreditation of the AFC database administrators (PAAFCs) that authorize them. Manufacturers, importers, and AFC operators targeting outdoor Wi-Fi 6E/Wi-Fi 7 now have a defined compliance path and key dates.

The FCC has circulated a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ET Docket No. 26-169) that would let FCC Part 15 direct-to-device equipment - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT gear in the 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz bands - talk directly to satellites, and confirm such devices may operate inside spacecraft. The Commission votes on adopting it at the August 6, 2026 Open Meeting. No device rules change yet, but manufacturers and test labs should track the Part 25 cert

On July 20, 2026, the FCC updated its Covered List routers entry after the U.S. Department of War (DoW) granted Conditional Approvals exempting two more foreign-produced devices: Gryphon Safety Online's Parental Control WiFi Router and Sercomm's Air4992 Wi-Fi 7 Router. Crucially, the FCC did not approve these devices; the DoW did, and the FCC merely reflects that determination. Each exemption terminates January 10, 2028. Here is what the FCC Covered List routers process means

On July 20, 2026, ISED's transition period closed and ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11) became the required test method for demonstrating Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) compliance for 5 GHz WAS/RLAN equipment certified in Canada under RSS-247. The older V1.8.1 version is no longer accepted for new certifications. Manufacturers, importers, and test labs placing 5 GHz wireless products on the Canadian market must confirm their DFS test evidence uses ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1.

Mexico has closed the courier and parcel loophole for cell phones. Under an agreement published in the DOF on 29 May 2026, smartphones and other mobile phones under codes 8517.13.01, 8517.14.91 and 8517.18.99 can no longer enter under the simplified low-value regime without proof of conformity. Mexico NOM-001 mobile phones obligations, plus NOM-024-SCFI-2013 labelling rules, took effect on 1 July 2026 after a SNICE deferral. The agreement also moves conformity procedures to P

On July 1, 2026, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr circulated a draft Third Report and Order and Third FNPRM in ET Docket No. 21-232. The FCC Covered List component ban would prohibit authorization of any device incorporating logic-bearing hardware components produced by a Covered List entity, effective immediately on adoption with no transition period. The item also requires online marketplaces to display the FCC ID at the online point of sale. The Commission votes on July 22, 2026.

Mexico's Secretaria de Economia has opened public consultation on a NOM-184-SCFI-2018 draft amendment, the Official Mexican Standard governing consumer-protection obligations and adhesion-contract requirements for telecom service providers. The proposal updates the current 2018 standard rather than creating a new regime, and the comment period is reported to close July 22, 2026. Manufacturers, importers and providers of telecom terminal equipment should review the draft and p

On June 15, 2026, the FCC issued Public Notice DA 26-588 removing a defined class of "Toy Drones" and "Toy Drones that contain foreign-produced components" from the FCC Covered List, after a June 12, 2026 Department of War determination. This FCC Covered List toy drones update is a targeted carve-out, not a general relaxation: a qualifying device must meet every DoW criterion and cannot be made by a Section 1709 NDAA entity (e.g., DJI, Autel). Most foreign-made consumer drone

Panama's telecom regulator ASEP has opened Public Forum No. 01-26 to gather opinions on how the 6 GHz frequency band (5925-7125 MHz) should be used a decision it deferred in 2025 while adding new mid-band spectrum for 5G. The outcome will shape whether Wi-Fi, licensed mobile, or a split of both governs the band, with direct consequences for how wireless devices are certified and approved for the Panamanian market. Here's what equipment makers and compliance teams should track

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released SRSP-310.7, Issue 5 for comment, revising the technical and channel-plan requirements for fixed line-of-sight microwave systems in the 10.7–11.7 GHz band. The draft adds channels in the 11.075–11.2 GHz and 11.575–11.7 GHz sub-bands and removes redundant provisions. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 28, 2026.

On May 13, 2026, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) launched a preliminary consultation (SMSE-008-26) on Mobile Satellite Service developments and the use of L and S band spectrum. Alongside the consultation, ISED imposed an immediate moratorium on licensing commercial MSS systems and ancillary terrestrial component services in key mid-band segments. Stakeholders can submit comments until June 29, 2026. Here's what manufacturers and importers need to k

On May 29, 2026, Mexico's Secretaría de Economía published a DOF agreement removing the simplified courier and parcel import exemption for cell phones. Smartphones and other mobile phones under tariff codes 8517.13.01, 8517.14.91 and 8517.18.99 must now demonstrate compliance with safety standard NOM-001-SCFI-2018 and commercial-information standard NOM-024-SCFI-2013 at the point of entry. A SNICE bulletin defers the obligation to July 1, 2026, giving importers a short window

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has published SRSP-321.2, Issue 1, the updated Standard Radio System Plan governing fixed line-of-sight radio systems in the 21.2–23.6 GHz band. Issued in April 2026, it replaces SRSP-321.8 and consolidates the previously separate sub-bands while introducing new 60, 80 and 100 MHz channel bandwidths and revised antenna radiation pattern envelopes. Manufacturers and operators of microwave backhaul equipment should revi

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has published the Bahamas National Spectrum Plan 2026–2029 (ECS 04/2026), the country's fourth spectrum framework and its first to fully integrate WRC-23 outcomes. The Plan revises the National Frequency Allocation Table to align with the 2024 ITU Radio Regulations, opens new IMT bands at 3.3–3.4 GHz, 3.6–3.8 GHz and 6.425–7.125 GHz, and identifies spectrum for HAPS/HIBS and Earth Stations in Motion. Here is what manuf

Cuba's Ministry of Communications issued Resolution 1/2026 and Resolution 2/2026, published in Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 66 on May 21, 2026. These rules overhaul the country's Cuba telecommunications import regulations, introduce a two-tier technical authorization system for ICT equipment, mandate homologation for commercial imports, and bring all drones under regulatory control for the first time. Commercial rules take effect around July 20, 2026.

The FCC published a Final Rule on May 15, 2026, creating a fast-track priority review process for devices tested in FCC Trusted Test Labs — facilities located in the U.S. or countries with Mutual Recognition Agreements. Effective June 15, 2026, the rule incentivizes domestic testing, strengthens national security, and introduces new disclosure requirements for test labs and Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs).