Global Regulatory Intelligence

On July 22, 2026, the FCC adopted a Report and Order establishing FCC Part 100 satellite licensing, a sweeping overhaul that retires the legacy Part 25 rules and rebuilds space and earth station authorization. The new licensing assembly line brings modular, certification-based applications, bright-line public-interest criteria, and new license categories, alongside a Further Notice seeking comment on further reforms. Here is what operators and manufacturers need to know.

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).

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 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.

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

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).

The U.S. Department of Defense officially released MIL-STD-461H on April 17, 2026, superseding MIL-STD-461G (2015). This new revision introduces targeted updates to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test requirements for electronic, electrical, and electromechanical equipment across land, air, sea, and space platforms. Key changes affect CE101, CS101, CS114, RE101, RE102, and RS103 procedures — impacting manufacturers, integrators, and EMC test labs supporting DoD programs.

The FCC has adopted FCC 26-28, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking restricting recognition of foreign test labs in countries without a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the United States. The new rules introduce a fast-track priority review for devices tested in Trusted Test Labs, strengthen post-market surveillance, and require disclosure of foreign staff. Manufacturers have a two-year phase-out to transition certification activities. (488 characters)

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on April 30, 2026 (WC Docket No. 26-82) that would block entities on the FCC Covered List from receiving automatic Section 214 blanket authority to provide domestic interstate telecommunications services. The proposal targets foreign adversary-linked carriers and could also restrict interconnection with Covered List entities, marking a major shift in U.S. telecom national security oversi

The FCC C-V2X 5.9 GHz transition introduces major changes to U.S. spectrum policy by reallocating the 5.9 GHz band and replacing DSRC with C-V2X technology. This update impacts automotive, telecom, and wireless industries, requiring manufacturers to adapt to new certification requirements and spectrum usage rules.

The latest FCC 6 GHz router frequency restrictions introduce stricter rules for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices, including mandatory AFC systems, indoor/outdoor limitations, and enhanced firmware controls. These changes significantly impact certification, product design, and time-to-market for manufacturers entering the U.S. market.

The USA FCC electronic device testing rules are set for a major update, introducing stricter controls on foreign testing labs and reinforcing security-driven certification processes. This proposal could reshape how manufacturers access the U.S. market, impacting testing strategies, timelines, and compliance planning worldwide.

The USA FCC cybersecurity workshops mark a growing regulatory focus on strengthening telecom network security, IoT protection, and supply chain resilience. These discussions signal potential future compliance requirements that could impact certification processes and market access for telecom and device manufacturers operating in the United States.

The USA FCC 6 GHz GVP final rule introduces updated requirements for unlicensed spectrum use, including AFC systems, device classifications, and compliance obligations. This update impacts Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies, requiring manufacturers to adapt certification strategies and ensure secure, interference-free operation in the 6 GHz band.

The USA FCC 900 MHz band rules introduce a major shift from legacy narrowband systems to broadband use, enabling private LTE networks for critical industries. This update modernizes spectrum use, improves efficiency, and creates new opportunities for manufacturers while requiring careful compliance with revised technical and licensing frameworks.

The FCC has finalized new rules for the 5.9 GHz automotive safety spectrum, officially transitioning from DSRC to C-V2X technology. This regulatory framework supports connected vehicle communications, enhances road safety applications, and prepares the automotive industry for large-scale C-V2X deployment in upcoming vehicle models.

The FCC foreign ownership review process 2026 introduces clearer rules and streamlined procedures for evaluating foreign investment in U.S. telecommunications. This update enhances transparency, reduces approval timelines, and reinforces national security oversight, impacting licensing strategies for telecom operators, investors, and manufacturers.

The FCC 6 GHz rules have been expanded to allow greater flexibility in unlicensed spectrum use while launching a new consultation (FNPRM) for future applications. This update aims to improve wireless connectivity, enable innovation, and ensure efficient spectrum sharing, with a strong focus on balancing new opportunities and interference protection.