Starlink routers have been granted an exemption from the FCC ban on foreign-made networking equipment, with approval from the Department of War set to last until February 2028. This exemption allows Starlink to continue using routers manufactured outside the US, including those made in Vietnam, despite the administration's focus on national security risks associated with foreign-made devices.
This exemption allows Starlink to continue its operations without being immediately impacted by the FCC's ban on foreign-made routers, ensuring service continuity for its users and avoiding potential supply chain disruptions.
SpaceX's Starlink routers have been granted an exemption from the Federal Communications Commission's ban on foreign-made networking equipment. The approval, issued by the Department of War, will remain in effect until February 1, 2028.
The FCC's ban, which targets consumer-grade routers manufactured at least partly outside the United States and deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security, has prompted companies to seek exemptions. While Starlink operates a factory in Texas and some of its routers are marked "Made in the USA," other Starlink routers are produced in Vietnam.
Major vendors like Netgear and Amazon have previously received similar exemptions for their products. The Trump administration has expressed concerns about national security risks associated with foreign networking products, particularly those with ties to China, and has encouraged domestic manufacturing. Companies that fail to secure exemptions may face difficulties in getting future router models approved.
Similar exemption processes are in place for drone manufacturers, with Chinese drone company DJI having taken legal action against the FCC over its inclusion on the Covered List.